Kremlin warns 'a collision between the nuclear powers' is imminent as West fires missiles into Russia

23 November 2024, 16:43 | Updated: 23 November 2024, 16:47

Putin has said he will fire more of Russia 's new hypersonic missiles at targets in Ukraine
Putin has said he will fire more of Russia 's new hypersonic missiles at targets in Ukraine. Picture: Alamy

By Charlie Duffield

Russia has said British support for Ukraine could "lead to a collision between nuclear powers" in a grave threat.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

This is because President Vladimir Putin tried to set up more hypersonic missiles at targets in Ukraine.

According to The Daily Mail, Andrey Kelin, Russia's ambassador to the UK, said American support for Ukraine to use Western missiles against targets in Russia, backed by Britain and France, was the reason for escalation and "can lead to a collision between the nuclear powers".

This week the Kremlin indicated it was "entitled to fire upon the military targets of those countries that allow their weapons to be used against our facilities" in a disguised threat to the West.

The US gave its support for Kyiv using ATACMS missiles against Russia and North Korea forces in Russia.

Read More: Trains, planes and roads in chaos as Storm Bert sweeps UK with 82 mph winds and heavy snow

Read More: Top brands distance themselves from Captain Tom’s daughter after she cashed in on her father's legacy

An Army Tactical Missile System or ATACMS, missile is fired during a military drill
An Army Tactical Missile System or ATACMS, missile is fired during a military drill. Picture: Alamy

Following strikes in the Ukrainian city of Dnipro with an experimental hypersonic missile early on Thursday, Putin initiated the large-scale production of the "unstoppable" Oreshnik, which can reach Britain in less than twenty minutes.

Putin said: "There is no countermeasure to such a missile, no means of intercepting it, in the world today. And I will emphasise once again that we will continue testing this newest system. It is necessary to establish serial production."

With rising fears of escalation, Ambassador Kelin spoke to Sky News and said Britain was now "directly involved" in the war in Ukraine, with its Storm Shadow missiles allegedly due to be used to hit targets inside Russia.

British long-range missiles were reported to have been greenlit for use, and then utilised after the US gave approval for Ukraine to use ATACMS missiles.

Mr Kelin said: "Britain and UK is now directly involved in this war, because this firing cannot happen without NATO staff, British staff as well.

"The US administration, support[ed] by France and the UK, has made a deliberate decision to make these strikes, which seriously escalates the situation, and it can bring a collision between the nuclear powers."

Similarly, the Pentagon has told Ukraine that North Korean targets re-emphasising Russian lines within Russia are "fair target".

A Kremlin spokesperson added: "We have stressed in the context of our doctrine that Russia is taking a responsible position to make maximum effort not to allow such a conflict."

In addition, Putin has said Moscow will undertake more tests of the hypersonic Oreshnik ballistc missile in "combat conditions", a day after firing one on Ukraine.

In a televised meeting with military chiefs he said: "We will continue these tests, including in combat conditions, depending on the situation and character of the security threats posted to Russia."

He said that it isn't an intercontinental missile, but is so powerful the use of multiple of them fitted with conventional warheads in one attack might be as destructive as a strike with strategic - or nuclear - weapons.

Russia launched the new generation missile at the Ukrainian city of Dnipro early on Thursday, in a massive escalation.

The missile flies at speeds of Mach 10 - which is 10 times the speed of sound - and the Kremlin boss instructed that the missile be serially produced.

He added that Russia is producing similarly advanced systems.

Latest World News

See more Latest World News

The vehicle was later extinguished after the driver, covered in flames, emerged from the vehicle.

Amsterdam Dam Square car explosion sees driver engulfed in flames - just days after mass stabbing

d

Pictured: US tourist arrested for sailing to remote island and leaving a can of Coke for world's most isolated tribe

The Sentinelese are a pre-Neolithic tribe that rejects contact with the modern world

US tourist arrested for sailing to remote island and leaving a can of Coke for the world's most isolated tribe to try

The Trump administration has been ridiculed after imposing tariffs on uninhabited islands

'No one is safe, not even the penguins': Trump administration ridiculed after imposing tariffs on uninhabited islands

World leaders react to US tariffs

'This is not the act of a friend': World leaders react to Trump's 'unwarranted' tariffs

British couple

British couple found dead in New Zealand named - as police probe possible murder-suicide

Virginia Giuffre said she had been left with 'four days to life' after the crash

Bus driver breaks silence on Virginia Giuffre crash that left her 'with four days to live'

Foreign Secretary David Lammy

David Lammy to urge Nato allies to increase defence spending in bid to make alliance 'stronger, fairer and more lethal'

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen

EU threatens further countermeasures against US tariffs after 'major blow to world economy'

Lord Sugar labels Trump tariffs 'a disaster' as Apprentice star teases potential US Presidential meeting

Lord Sugar labels Trump tariffs 'a disaster' and warns that the president 'hasn't thought it through'

Buildings that were destroyed during the Israeli ground and air operations in Gaza

Israel expands ground attack on Gaza to seize 'large areas' - despite pleas from hostage families

Police said two people died on Palliser Road, Roseneath.

British couple found dead at home in New Zealand - just months after moving to 'begin new chapter'

Virginia Giuffre warned it was a "very bad situation" after she claimed a school bus ploughed into her car

Virginia Giuffre was charged with breaching restraining order days before crash that 'left her with days to live'

Putin continues to reject Trump's peace plan

'We won't accept Ukraine ceasefire while Zelenskyy remains in power,' Russia warns

Virginia Giuffre

Family of Prince Andrew accuser Virginia Giuffre hit out at Australian cops over doubts she has 'days to live'

Luigi Mangione is facing the death penalty for the shooting of United healthcare CEO Brian Thompson

US prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for Luigi Mangione in healthcare boss murder case