Ukraine hits Russia with "massive drone attack" on military depot in Toropets, causing huge explosions
CBS
Report: US Remains Unconvinced on Ukraine's Possible Use of Long-Range Weapons in Russia
Above: US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin (L) and Ukrainian Pres. Volodymyr Zelenskyy at a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group at NATO headquarters in Brussels on October 11, 2023. Image copyright: Olivier Matthys/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-Ukraine narrative
Because of current restrictions on long-range weapons, Russia simply moves its weapons out of range, hampering Ukraine's ability to put any pressure on its military. Ukraine has waited too long to receive these permissions.
Pro-Russia narrative
Should NATO countries lift restrictions and allow their long-range weapons to strike Russia, Moscow will have no choice but to see this as NATO's direct involvement in the war and respond accordingly. This would be a fundamental escalation of the conflict — the West needs to tread carefully.