In a strong statement on his X channel, Robert F. Kennedy Jr has called on Secretary of State Antony Blinken and President Joe Biden to halt the supply of American long-range weapons to Ukraine, warning against the reckless escalation of tensions with Russia. Kennedy, who recently ended his independent presidential bid and supported Republican candidate Donald Trump, shared a video of Russian President Vladimir Putin's response to the prospect of western weapons being used on Russian territory.

Kennedy's plea comes as Ukraine intensifies its lobbying efforts for the United States and the United Kingdom to lift the prohibition on American ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile System) and British Storm Shadow missiles, allowing them to target deep inside Russian territory. Concerns have been raised that such a move could further escalate the conflict in the region.

Several experts, including George Beebe, a former director of CIA's Russia analysis, argue that the potential dangers of providing Ukraine with the ability to strike deep into Russia outweigh any potential benefits. Beebe emphasizes that the ongoing conflict has become a war of attrition, with Russia holding significant advantages in population and military manufacturing.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, however, asserts that his country needs the long-range capabilities and air defense systems to protect its people. Zelensky's stance is supported by NATO's newest members, Sweden and Finland, who have authorized Ukraine to use the weapons supplied for long-range strikes.

Proponents of supplying Ukraine with long-range weapons argue that the uncertainty surrounding their use plays into Putin's hands, suggesting that the Russian president's comments were aimed at deterring Western countries from taking action. Kurt Volker, the former US special representative for Ukraine negotiations, believes that Putin's interest lies in preventing the West from intervening effectively.

Following a meeting in Washington between British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and President Biden, the national security council spokesperson, John Kirby, confirmed that no announcement had been made regarding the supply of long-range weapons to Ukraine. While Biden expressed that he was "working on" Ukraine's request, final decisions on the matter have been deferred to the upcoming UN General Assembly meeting this month.

As tensions continue to rise between Ukraine and Russia, the decision on whether to provide Ukraine with American and British long-range weapons will undoubtedly have significant consequences. The Biden administration faces the challenge of balancing Ukraine's security concerns with the potential risks and repercussions of escalating the conflict in the region.