Putin threatens nuclear response amid Western support for Ukraine, causing a stir on the global stage.
At a Glance
- Russian officials issued threats to the West regarding Ukraine’s potential use of Western-supplied long-range weapons.
- Dmitry Medvedev suggested that Ukraine’s actions justify the use of nuclear or deadly non-nuclear weapons.
- Western leaders are debating whether to allow Ukraine to use Western-supplied weapons to strike deep inside Russia.
- Putin vowed to fulfill Moscow’s goals in Ukraine and warned the West against deeper involvement, citing the risk of global nuclear conflict.
Heightening Tensions Between East and West
Russian President Vladimir Putin intensified his warnings towards Western nations, suggesting that Russia might resort to nuclear weapons if faced with an attack from a nuclear-armed ally of Ukraine. Putin did not explicitly name specific countries but aimed his remarks at deterring the West from bolstering Ukraine’s military capabilities.
These provocative statements were made as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky appeared at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. During his visit, Zelensky met with U.S. President Joe Biden, emphasizing the critical need for more advanced Western weaponry to further challenge Russian forces. The timing of Putin’s rhetoric underscores the escalating tensions amid continued Western support for Ukraine’s military campaigns.
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Direct Warnings to the West
Russian officials issued threats regarding Ukraine’s potential use of Western-supplied long-range weapons. Dmitry Medvedev suggested that Ukraine’s actions justify the use of nuclear or deadly non-nuclear weapons. Western leaders are debating whether to allow Ukraine to use these weapons to strike deep inside Russia. Putin claimed that this would signify a direct war between NATO countries and Russia.
“This would in a significant way change the very nature of the conflict,” Putin stated.
Putin vowed to fulfill Moscow’s goals in Ukraine and warned the West against deeper involvement, citing the risk of global nuclear conflict. He referenced French President Emmanuel Macron’s statement about the potential deployment of Western ground troops to Ukraine, warning of “tragic” consequences.
Moscow’s Potential Reactions
Putin accused Western allies of planning to strike Russian territory and sending a NATO contingent to Ukraine. He described Western leaders as reckless and irresponsible, emphasizing Russia’s nuclear capabilities and readiness. Putin mentioned new Russian weapons, including the Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile, Burevestnik cruise missile, and Poseidon nuclear-armed drone.
Putin reiterated his justification for the invasion of Ukraine as protecting Russian interests and preventing Ukraine from joining NATO. He warned that allowing Ukraine to use long-range missiles to strike Russian territory would be seen as NATO’s direct participation in the war in Ukraine.
The West Responds
The U.S. and U.K. are reconsidering restrictions on long-range weapons for Ukraine. British PM Keir Starmer and U.S. President Joe Biden are close to allowing Ukraine to use Western-supplied long-range weapons, such as British Storm Shadow missiles and France’s SCALP-EG weapons. Analysts report Russian forces moving assets out of missile range.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged Western allies to lift weapons restrictions. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy cited new evidence of Iran sending ballistic missiles to Moscow as a factor in changing strategic thinking. Zelensky stated that Iran has supplied over 1,000 Shahed drones to Russia since February 2022.
Ukraine’s Strategic Moves
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of plotting attacks on Ukrainian nuclear plants, warning that such actions could lead to a nuclear disaster. Zelensky plans to present a “victory plan” to President Joe Biden at the White House. In light of escalating threats, the international community watches closely as these strategic moves unfold.
The geopolitical landscape is fraught with peril, with each side unwilling to back down. Putin’s nuclear threats and the West’s potential response could define the future of global security. As Zelensky rallies international support, the stakes have never been higher.
