The tension between NATO and Russia reached new heights on Monday as the Kremlin rebuked NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg’s suggestion that alliance members should permit Ukraine to launch strikes deep into Russian territory with Western-supplied weapons. Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin Spokesman, criticized Stoltenberg’s remarks, stating that NATO’s stance implied a direct confrontation with Russia.

In an interview with The Economist, Stoltenberg advocated for NATO members to lift the prohibition on Ukraine using Western weapons to target military installations in Russia. Peskov condemned NATO’s rhetoric, accusing the alliance of indulging in military posturing and escalating tensions. He asserted that the Russian military was prepared to respond accordingly.

When pressed on whether NATO’s actions were bringing the alliance closer to a direct confrontation with Russia, Peskov emphasized that they were already engaged in one. Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly cautioned the West about the risk of a global conflict over Ukraine, warning that any direct clash between Russia and NATO could precipitate World War Three.

Russian officials view Ukrainian incursions into Russian territory, including attacks on civilian areas and nuclear defense facilities, as escalatory actions. The 2022 invasion of Ukraine by Russia triggered the most severe rupture in relations between Moscow and the West since the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962. Currently, Russia is making advances along the front lines in Ukraine.

Despite Ukraine’s lobbying efforts, the United States has consistently maintained its stance against encouraging Ukrainian strikes inside Russia using American weapons. The Economist noted that Stoltenberg’s comments were aimed squarely at U.S. President Joe Biden, who has resisted such measures.