Russia warns US missile authorization could escalate tensions with Ukraine

Russia has warned that the U.S. authorization for Ukraine to use long-range missiles against Russian targets would escalate tensions between Moscow and Washington. A Kremlin spokesperson described this as a "qualitatively new round of tensions." President Biden has approved the use of ATACMS missiles, which can strike targets up to 190 miles away, within Russia's Kursk region. Ukraine has not yet used these weapons against Russian forces inside Russia. Previously, the Biden administration had been cautious about granting such authorization, despite Ukraine's requests. The change in policy comes as Ukraine has already used these missiles against Russian positions in occupied areas.