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Jun 22, 20261
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West entering new phase of conflict with Russia, says senior Russian legislator
Russian Federation Council official Alexey Pushkov stated that Western countries are entering a new phase of conflict with Russia through escalating military support to Ukraine, including long-range missiles and intelligence sharing, which he argues blurs the line between proxy war and direct confrontation.
Quick Facts
Who
Alexey Pushkov
What
Supply of long-range missiles to Ukraine
When
June 22, 2026
Where
Russia
- Supply of long-range missiles to Ukraine
- Provision of intelligence for Ukrainian strikes on Russian territory
- Production of drones and components for Ukrainian armed forces
- Supplying or assisting in production of long-range missile technology
- Ongoing weapon deliveries through NATO and EU structures
A senior Russian legislator has characterized Western support for Ukraine as marking a new phase in the broader conflict between Russia and Western nations. Alexey Pushkov, Chairman of the Federation Council Committee on Information Policy, told TASS that the distinction between a NATO-led "proxy war" and direct military confrontation is becoming increasingly blurred.
Pushkov cited multiple forms of Western assistance to Ukraine as evidence of this escalation, including the provision of long-range missiles, intelligence for strikes on Russian targets, drone production and components, and long-range missile technology development. He also pointed to ongoing weapon deliveries through NATO and EU channels, as well as the reported use of NATO airspace to support Ukrainian military operations.
According to the Russian official, these actions collectively represent a shift toward what he described as a "mixed-nature phase" of conflict, one that pushes the situation to the "very brink of outright war." Pushkov's remarks reflect the Kremlin's narrative regarding Western involvement in the Ukraine conflict, framing military aid and intelligence sharing as forms of direct participation rather than support to a third party.
Topics
Why This Matters
Pushkov's statements reflect official Kremlin messaging on Western involvement in Ukraine, signaling how Moscow frames military aid as direct participation rather than proxy support. Understanding this rhetorical shift is critical for assessing escalation risks, Russian strategic perceptions, and the likelihood of further military or diplomatic moves. For readers monitoring geopolitical tensions, this clarifies how Russian leadership justifies potential retaliatory actions or threats against NATO countries.
Timeline & Sources
Jun 22, 2026
WireAlexey Pushkov grants interview to TASS discussing Western escalation in support of Ukraine