This decision comes as a response to recent US permission to strike Russia's Kursk Oblast with ATACMS long-range missiles.
The minister justified the move by claiming that "the scale of the Russia-Ukraine war is greater than ever, and the 'conflict' has entered its most dangerous phase."
He also mentioned that the Kremlin adjusted its nuclear doctrine in response.
Long-range strikes authorization for Ukraine
On Nov. 17, media reported that U.S. President Joe Biden authorized Ukraine to use ATACMS missiles for deep strikes within Russian territory. According to The New York Times, the missiles would likely first be deployed against Russian and North Korean forces in Russia’s Kursk Oblast to protect Ukrainian forces.
Reuters, citing sources, wrote that Ukraine plans to launch its first long-range attacks in the coming days. Journalists added that these initial strikes would likely involve ATACMS missiles with a range of up to 190 miles (306 kilometers).
The U.S. granted Ukraine permission to use long-range weapons only in the specific parts of Kursk Oblast where North Korean troops are stationed, Axios, citing its sources, reported on Nov. 18.
By Nov. 19, U.S. Assistant State Secretary Brian Nichols confirmed that Biden approved long-range strikes on Russian territory.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy validated these claims on Nov. 20, affirming that Ukraine now possesses long-range strike capabilities.