Tensions Soar as Russia Updates Nuclear Doctrine
Vladimir Putin’s spy chief and head of Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR), Sergei Naryshkin, issued a stark warning to Western nations, cautioning against a direct military confrontation with Russia. This comes amid Moscow’s sharp criticism of Washington’s decision to allow Ukraine to strike Russian territory using U.S.-supplied missiles.
“Attempts by individual NATO allies to support long-range strikes deep into Russian territory will not go unpunished,”
Naryshkin stated in an interview with National Defence magazine.
On Tuesday, President Vladimir Putin lowered the threshold for nuclear strikes in response to conventional attacks, signaling a shift in Moscow’s military doctrine. This escalation has rattled global markets, drawing parallels to the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962.
U.S.-Russia Tensions at Boiling Point
Russia accused Ukraine of launching U.S.-provided ATACMS missiles into its territory, suggesting that the strikes were coordinated with American satellite data and military support. While the U.S. has not directly responded to these claims, it dismissed the Kremlin’s rhetoric as “irresponsible.”
The U.S. embassy in Kyiv has been shut down amid warnings of a “potential significant air attack,” urging American citizens to seek immediate shelter. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized Putin’s nuclear update, calling it evidence of his disinterest in pursuing peace.
Landmines and Long-Range Missiles Fuel the Fire
President Joe Biden approved Ukraine’s use of American weapons for deep strikes into Russian territory and authorized the supply of anti-personnel landmines. Moscow swiftly condemned the move, with Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov accusing Washington of “prolonging the war in Ukraine.”
While neither Russia nor the U.S. is party to the global convention banning anti-personnel mines, Ukraine is. Peskov criticized Kyiv for violating this treaty.
Putin Open to Ceasefire Talks, But on Russia’s Terms
Despite the rising tensions, President Putin has expressed willingness to discuss a ceasefire with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. However, Moscow has ruled out any major territorial concessions and insists Ukraine abandon its NATO aspirations.
“It is important for us to achieve our goals, which are well known,”
Peskov stated, rejecting the notion of freezing the conflict.
Baltic Cable Sabotage Sparks Controversy
The Kremlin has denied involvement in the recent sabotage of two fiber-optic cables in the Baltic Sea. While European officials have not directly blamed Russia, many suspect foul play.
Peskov dismissed the accusations as baseless, adding, “There is no reason to continue blaming Russia for everything.” He also criticized the lack of progress in investigating the Nord Stream pipeline sabotage.
With Russia controlling significant Ukrainian territory and advancing its military objectives, the stakes in this conflict continue to climb. Moscow’s hardline stance and escalating measures have left the world on edge, underscoring the need for a diplomatic resolution.
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