Rumors circulated this week that the White House was considering giving Ukraine the long-range missile systems it has asked for since the early days of the Russian invasion, but it became clear on Thursday that President Joe Biden ultimately decided against the idea. Sources close to the White House reportedly told CNN this week that the Biden Administration is unlikely to “significantly change” its approach to helping Ukraine, even as Russia retreats and the war looks to be winnable for Ukraine.

Those rumors, however, appear to have scared the Kremlin, prompting a response this week that the supply of longer-range weapons to Ukraine would be a “red line” for Russia. …

In response to reports, Russian Foreign Minister Maria Zakharova said that Moscow “reserves the right to defend its territory,” in defiance of the West’s continued calls for the Russian president to withdraw his troops. … “If Washington decides to supply longer-range missiles to Kyiv, then it will be crossing a red line and will become a direct party to the conflict,” Zakharova said.