The US state department said it was "incredibly" concerned about Russia's campaign of hybrid warfare against the west, amid fears it will escalate following Ukraine's first use of US-made long-range missiles on targets inside Russia, after Joe Biden lifted restrictions on their use.
Russia has promised an "appropriate" response, and has engaged in sabre-rattling by changing its nuclear doctrine in recent days. However, western officials believe the thrust of the Russian response may come not on the battlefield in Ukraine but elsewhere in the world.
Potential hybrid attacks could span a wide range of options, including expanding its campaign of sabotage and assassinations in Europe or further arming US adversaries in the Middle East and Indo-Pacific, according to people briefed on discussions about Russia's likely response.
"We are incredibly concerned about hybrid warfare conducted by Russia both in Europe and around the world, and it's something we have been in close coordination with our European allies and other allies and partners," said Matthew Miller, the US state department spokesperson. He added that Russia would be "held accountable" for further such actions.
Russia may choose to delay a further escalation before the inauguration of Donald Trump, who has threatened to cut aid to Ukraine and broker a peace deal that is strongly expected to favour Russia.
The first Ukrainian attack with Atacms struck an ammunition warehouse in Bryansk region, the New York Times reported, citing US and Ukrainian officials. The region lies north-west of the Kursk region where a Ukrainian incursion has been under way since early August.
Ukraine's president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, did not directly confirm the Bryansk attack but said: "We now have Atacms, Ukrainian long-range capabilities, and we will use them."
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