“U.S. intelligence believes that allowing Ukraine to use ‘long-range’ weapons could provoke a ‘harsh response’ from Russia – NYT

“U.S. intelligence has concluded that allowing Ukraine to use Western missiles against targets deep inside Russia could provoke a ‘harsh response’ from Russia but ‘will not fundamentally change the course of the war.'”

This was reported by “The New York Times”.

According to intelligence services, Russia is likely to respond “with more severe actions against the U.S. and its allies, possibly using lethal attacks, if permission is granted to use missiles supplied by the U.S., the UK, and France for strikes deep into Russia.”

In addition to attacks on European and American military bases, Russia may launch a series of sabotage operations at facilities in Western countries, U.S. intelligence fears.

Moreover, it is questioned whether long-range missiles can significantly influence the course of the conflict – Ukraine has a limited supply of such weapons, and it is unclear how many more Western allies will be able to provide.

Additionally, after the initial strikes, Russia is likely to move its depots and command posts out of missile range.

Therefore, the decision to provide long-range missiles carries “high risks and uncertain benefits,” the publication writes.

“These conclusions partly explain why it is difficult for Biden to make a decision and highlight the internal pressure pushing him to refuse Zelensky. U.S. officials, who wished to remain anonymous, said it is still unclear what decision Biden will make,” the article states.