Russia’s latest threat is troubling – Putin’s words feel like a step up in rhetoric

Russia likes to engage in sabre-rattling but the latest verbal volley from its president feels like a step up in rhetoric. This is the first time Vladimir Putin has raised the prospect of sending long-range missiles to other countries to hit Western targets. He didn’t give any specific examples and the Kremlin wouldn’t be drawn on that today. But it was a clear warning backed up by the reiteration of Russia’s readiness to use nuclear weapons. According to Moscow, it’s a response to Western aggression and provocation; namely, the permission given by NATO allies, including Britain, Germany and the US…