putin "diverse response if west allows long-range weapons"

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said he will review and present various responses if the West allows Ukraine to use long-range weapons.

According to Reuters and others, Putin said in an interview with his country's state TV on the 27th local time, "The Western countries have not said anything to me on this issue, but of course we will have to make some decisions."

Putin has repeatedly warned that permission to use long-range missiles will directly bring the West into war, warning that "I hope the West has heard me."

He also pointed out that "specific equipment that Ukraine wants to use can only be operated by personnel from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and NATO, and the Ukrainian military is not capable of operating independently."

Ukraine has been asking for permission to attack mainland Russia with Western long-range missiles, including the U.S.'s Atax and Britain's Storm Shadow.

The U.S. and Britain have been cautious, considering a number of variables, including fears of escalation.