Putin warns West it risks “fighting Russia” if it lets Ukraine use long-range missiles

President Putin has warned that the US and European nations would be “directly participating” in the Ukraine war if they permit Ukraine to use long-range missiles against Russian territory. He stated this would alter the conflict's nature, implying that the US and NATO countries would effectively be “fighting with Russia.” This comes as the US and NATO allies weigh the option of allowing Ukraine to target locations within Russia with supplied long-range missiles. Putin has also cautioned that Russia might escalate the conflict and consider using nuclear weapons if its security is threatened.