Putin Threatens Missile Deployment in Response to Western Support for Ukraine.

On June 5, 2024, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the potential deployment of conventional missiles within range of the United States and its European allies if they allow Ukraine to strike deeper into Russian territory with long-range Western weapons. This statement was made during Putin's first face-to-face meeting with senior editors from major international news agencies since the onset of the Ukrainian conflict, where he emphasized that the West is mistaken to believe that Russia would refrain from using its nuclear arsenal.
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The P78-1 TEL of 9K720 Iskander-M SRBM at Military Technical Forum Army in 2018 (Picture source: Vitaly Kuzmin)

Putin also addressed NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg’s encouragement for Ukraine to use Western weapons to target Russian soil, stressing that allowing Kyiv to attack Russia with increasingly powerful weapons would seriously escalate tensions, potentially leading to war with the West. He specifically mentioned the American ATACMS and British and French missile systems, noting that Russia would counter by shooting down any such Western missiles. This follows recent permissions by the United States, France, and Germany for Ukraine to conduct targeted strikes within Russia.

Further, Putin reiterated that Russian nuclear doctrine allows for the use of nuclear weapons if national sovereignty and territorial integrity are threatened. He cautioned the West against underestimating this doctrine, which contemplates the use of all available means if necessary. This is not the first time the Russian President has issued such threats.

During a speech that lasted over three hours at the Gazprom Tower before the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Putin also discussed various issues including the conflict in Gaza and the upcoming U.S. elections. He criticized the United States for prioritizing its own interests over those of Ukraine and condemned the American judicial system for its handling of Republican nominee Donald Trump.

In the broader context of the Ukrainian conflict, Putin described the situation as an existential battle against a declining and decadent West, which he accuses of humiliating Russia post-1989 by encroaching on what he considers Moscow’s sphere of influence, including Ukraine.

Russia possesses a sophisticated missile arsenal that plays a critical role in its military strategy, especially evident in the current Ukrainian conflict. Among these weapons, the hypersonic Zircon missile stands out, capable of traveling 1,000 km at nine times the speed of sound. Initially designed for sea launch, a ground-based version has also been developed, making it a formidable threat due to its ability to evade most air defense systems.

The Kinzhal, or "dagger," is an air-launched ballistic missile that can reach speeds over 11,000 km/h and carry both conventional and nuclear warheads, adding to its strategic significance. Additionally, the Iskander-K, a short-range ballistic missile system, has been deployed against Ukrainian urban and military targets. It is known for its accuracy and the capability to be launched from mobile platforms, making it challenging to detect and neutralize before it reaches its target.

Some of Russia’s land-based missiles and their ranges, as of January 2021 (Picture source: CSIS)