USA says 'not encouraging' Ukraine to attack targets inside Russian territory after Moscow's claims

A day after Moscow claimed that Ukrainian drones had attacked air bases deep inside Russian territory, America said that it is not encouraging Kyiv to strike beyond its borders.

US State Department spokesperson said that Washington is "not enabling Ukraine to strike beyond its borders". Ned Price said that America is providing Ukraine with what it needs to take on Russian aggressors who have crossed the border onto Ukrainian soil.

Subsequently, Russian forces unleashed a missile attack on Ukrainian civilians, killing at least 4 people.

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The unprecedented attack in Russia threatened a major escalation of the nine-month war because it hit an airfield housing bombers capable of carrying nuclear weapons.

President Vladimir Putin has threatened to use all available means to defend his land, a remark many have interpreted to include nuclear weapons.

(With PTI inputs)