VOLODYMYR Zelensky has issued a stark warning to his foe Vladimir Putin as he told the tyrant: “Missiles will speak for themselves”.
It comes as Washington has given the go-ahead for US-missiles to be used to strike inside Russian territory for the first time.
APThe US Army test-fires an ATACMS missile[/caption]
Zelensky during his video address today
Joe Biden has long snubbed Ukrainian leader Zelensky‘s pleas for Western-supplied weapons to be used on Russian turf – fearing an escalation in the war.
But it is understood the US president has given the green light just two months before he exits the White House.
American-supplied ATACMS missiles could first be used against Russian and North Korean troops in Kursk before being used against other targets.
Zelensky today said: “There’s a lot of talk in the media about us receiving permission for respective actions.
“But strikes are not carried out with words. Such things are not announced. Missiles will speak for themselves.”
Unnamed US officials said Kyiv plans to unleash its first long-range strikes in the coming days.
But with Donald Trump due to take over as president in two months, it is unclear whether he will uphold his predecessor’s policy.
Putin – whose stalling war is almost at the three year mark – previously warned allowing Ukraine to fire Western-supplied weapons into Russia would drag Nato into direct conflict.
Moscow today insisted that the US has taken “a very big step towards the beginning of World War Three” in giving Ukraine the go-ahead.
Putin’s mouthpieces issued apocalyptic warnings – while one Russian official urged Britain and France to refuse to follow suit.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov pointed to Putin’s earlier statements in St Petersburg when he indicated such a move could trigger a world war.
He said: “We have, of course, paid attention to the relevant publications, which [are] without reference to any official sources.
“And here the position of our President, the position of the Russian side, was very clearly and unambiguously formulated by our Head of State in his statement that he made in St Petersburg.
“It says everything very clearly. I simply recommend that you read these words of the President once again.”
Putin previously warned: “This is their direct participation, and this already, of course, significantly changes the very essence, the very nature of the conflict.
“It will mean that Nato countries, the United States, European countries are at war with Russia.”
Initial strikes will likely be carried out using the American ATACMS rockets, which have a range of up to 190 miles, sources say.
The first long-range attacks could be launched in the coming days at Kursk, insiders said.
AFPVolodymyr Zelensky visiting the 25th Separate Airborne Brigade in Pokrovsk, Donetsk region[/caption]
Putin has bolstered his defences in the Russian region with 10,000 North Korean troops as it looks to claw it back from Ukraine.
And it is believed America’s ban lift could pave the way for Sir Keir Starmer to allow Ukraine to use Storm Shadow rockets to blast Russian territory.
Bunker-busting Storm Shadows are capable of dodging air defences – making them a nightmare for enemy targets.
The £800,000 missiles – already being fired within Ukraine – use GPS to precisely hit targets, and can travel at 600mph.
Shadow defence secretary James Cartlidge said it was the “right time” for permission to be granted to use the weapons.
He said he welcomed Biden’s “important” decision.
Mr Cartlidge told Sky News: “I hope it is a precursor to the UK granting full autonomy on use of Storm Shadow (missiles).
“Obviously these are complex matters.
“On this we had to move with the Americans, so I welcome the fact that the President has given this steer, and I hope it now leads to the UK doing the same.”
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