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Richard Roskell's avatar

The USA used ATACM's missiles to strike in Russia, and Russia's response is beautifully calibrated.

First, it's crucial to note that it appears the ATACM's missile strike caused virtually no reported damage in Russia. It's possible that the attack was designed not to cause serious damage, so as not to provoke Russia too strongly.

With that in mind, Mr. Putin's announcement wasn't just that a tit-for-tat strike was made on Ukraine. Instead Russia revealed an entirely new weapon in its response. This missile's capabilities aren't known at present, but it seems likely that it's a medium range (as in thousands of kilometers) ballistic missile with multiple hypersonic warheads. A serious weapon in other words.

But that's not the important part. Mr. Putin's statement - in his trademark understated way - makes it clear that US military assets anywhere in the world are now legitimate targets for Russia. That means hundreds of military bases, and hundreds of critical military assets such as aircraft carriers are in the cross-hairs. (A single hypersonic missile will slice a Ford-class aircraft carrier in two.)

I doubt whether the USA will allow their weapons to make major strikes within Russia. It's likely to just be minor attacks for propaganda/morale purposes. However if Washington is stupid enough to take a further escalatory step, Russia has clearly stated what will happen next. And there's nothing the USA can do to stop it.

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Kenneth Griffith's avatar

Those whom the gods would destroy they first make mad. - Tacitus

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