The Biden administration’s authorization for Ukraine to use U.S. long-range missiles against Russia has escalated the Ukraine war and increased the likelihood of direct NATO-Russia conflict, according to Moscow.

If the West wants to change Putin’s calculus, it must demonstrate that it is not going to purchase another period of comfort for itself at Ukraine’s expense. Instead, it should make Moscow understand that the name of the game is anything but Western surrender.

Putin's goals in Ukraine remain the same: weakening Ukraine's ties to NATO, hindering Ukrainian nationalism and territorial gains.