Moscow could “covertly sabotage” American bases if Ukraine is allowed to strike deeper inside Russia, the publication has claimed
US intelligence agencies are warning that Moscow may retaliate against Kiev’s Western sponsors directly if they permit Ukraine to use long-range missiles to strike deep inside Russia, the New York Times reported on Thursday.
According to an intelligence assessment cited by the NYT, analysts believe that even if Ukrainians are allowed to use the missiles freely, it will not significantly impact the conflict due to their limited numbers. Furthermore, after initial strikes, the Russians would likely relocate vital functions out of range, making it harder for Ukraine to achieve any military objectives.
Moreover, such a decision would be a high-stakes gamble, as it could lead to “lethal” attacks on US military assets worldwide, the NYT noted.
Russia’s potential responses could range “from stepped-up acts of arson…