President Vladimir Putin warns of a nuclear response as Zelensky urges the U.S. for more military aid.
At a Glance
- Putin warns against Western-backed attacks on Russia.
- Zelensky advocates for more Western aid in the U.S. visit.
- Western leaders debate allowing Ukraine to use long-range weapons.
- Russia displays new nuclear capabilities.
Putin’s Warning Amid Escalating Tensions
In a significant escalation, President Vladimir Putin warned that Russia retains the right to use nuclear weapons if attacked by a country supported by a nuclear power. The warning, though indirect, clearly aimed at Western nations backing Ukraine. This coincided with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit to the United States, where he sought more Western military aid to penetrate deeper into Russian-held territories. Putin’s message emphasized Russia’s serious stance on the issue.
Dmitry Medvedev, a close ally of Putin, suggested that Ukraine’s actions might justify the use of nuclear or deadly non-nuclear weapons. This statement adds to the already tense atmosphere, as Western leaders debate whether to permit Ukraine to use Western-provided weapons to strike deep inside Russia. Reports also indicate that U.S. and UK are considering easing restrictions on long-range weapons for Ukraine, potentially escalating the conflict.
Reactions from Western and Russian Leaders
Putin reiterated that allowing Ukraine to use NATO-provided weapons against Russia equates to a direct war between NATO and Russia. He emphasized that this could lead to a global nuclear conflict. Putin also referenced French President Emmanuel Macron’s statement about the potential deployment of Western ground troops to Ukraine, warning of “tragic” consequences.
Putin accused Western allies of planning to strike Russian territory by sending a NATO contingent to Ukraine, calling Western leaders reckless and irresponsible. He emphasized Russia’s nuclear capabilities, specifically mentioning new weapons like the Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile, Burevestnik cruise missile, and Poseidon nuclear-armed drone to showcase Russia’s readiness.
“This would in a significant way change the very nature of the conflict,” said Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Western leaders like British PM Keir Starmer and U.S. President Joe Biden are nearing decisions on permitting Ukraine to use Western-supplied long-range weapons, excluding U.S.-provided ones. Potential weapons could include British Storm Shadow missiles and France’s SCALP-EG missiles. As Western analysts report, Russian forces have begun moving assets out of missile range in anticipation.
Zelensky’s Advocacy and Western Strategic Shifts
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, during his U.S. visit, urged Western allies to lift restrictions on long-range weapons. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy cited new evidence of Iran sending ballistic missiles to Moscow as a factor in changing strategic thinking. Zelensky pointed out that Iran has supplied over 1,000 Shahed drones to Russia since February 2022, further complicating the conflict.
Zelensky also accused Russia of plotting attacks on Ukrainian nuclear plants and warned that such attacks could result in a nuclear disaster. These escalating threats emphasize the precariousness of the situation, prompting both sides to reconsider their strategies. Zelensky aims to present a “victory plan” to President Joe Biden during the White House meeting. The stakes are high, with global security on the line as both sides weigh their next moves.
