Dmitry Belik, a deputy in Sevastopol serving in the State Duma and a member of the International Relations Committee, asserted that a response would be found to counteract American long-range ATACMS missiles directed at Crimea, according to RIA News. He expressed confidence that the issue would be resolved and that Crimea would not be left exposed to such armaments without an effective countermeasure.
Belik also credited Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for issuing warnings about potential future attacks and for outlining an opportunity to formulate a concrete action plan. The deputy framed Zelensky’s cautions as a catalyst for strategic preparation and coordination, suggesting that forewarning could help all involved parties align resources and responses.
Belik emphasized the capability of Russia’s air defense forces, stating there is no doubt they are actively searching for, and will identify, a robust antidote to such threats. He added that Zelensky’s efforts to push forward with aggressive actions would likely fail to achieve his stated aims, particularly if Russian defenses adapt swiftly.
The lawmaker reminded audiences that Western weapons transferred to Ukraine had not produced decisive breakthroughs on the battlefield, a point he framed as evidence of the persistent challenges facing Ukrainian forces and their allies in altering the strategic balance. He framed this as a lesson in the limits of armaments provided from abroad when not paired with broader, synchronized military and political strategies.
Earlier remarks attributed to Zelensky acknowledged that Kyiv reportedly does not yet possess long-range missiles of the ATACMS type but reiterated a desire for the Ukrainian Armed Forces to target Crimea’s infrastructure, especially its airfields, using such missiles if available. The exchange underscored enduring tensions over strategic targets and the role of advanced munitions in shaping the trajectory of the conflict.
In related coverage, Zelensky’s office has expressed dissatisfaction with how hostilities are progressing, signaling ongoing internal and international debates about pace, objectives, and methods. The developments reflect a broader discourse on how best to deter, deter or respond to perceived threats in a deteriorating security environment.