Rising events in Ukraine aggravate NATO-Russia relations and inspire concerns about possible nuclear conflict.
A series of spectacular events have marked a dangerous new chapter in the war in Ukraine, drastically altering the parameters of the nearly three-year battle.
In just one week, the situation has escalated to unprecedented levels not seen since the first Russian invasion, prompting concerns about a direct conflict between Russia and NATO and further escalation.
The Biden administration’s approval of Kyiv to use American-made longer-range missiles, known as the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS), within Russian territory marks the fundamental change in U.S. policy driving this escalation.
This change in long-standing policy follows months of the U.S. ruling out such a step, believing it would aggravate the crisis and risk a confrontation with Russia.
Unsurprisingly, the Kremlin has replied with strong warnings; spokesperson Dmitry Peskov charges the departing American government with “taking steps to continue adding fuel to the fire and provoking further escalation of tensions.”
Moscow has also engaged in provocative acts of its own, formally reducing the threshold for the use of nuclear weapons and thereby enabling a reaction to Ukrainian strikes supported by the United States.
Ukraine has lost no time in taking advantage of these enlarged capabilities, attacking a munitions facility in Russia’s Bryansk area with ATACMS missiles.
Kyiv has never before used these weapons inside enemy territory, marking a significant escalation that has further infuriated the Kremlin.
Moscow is further infuriated by Ukraine’s targeting of Russian territory with the British-made Storm Shadow missile.
Based on Russia’s RS-26 Rubezh intercontinental ballistic missile, President Vladimir Putin has labeled the newly launched experimental ballistic missile Russia possesses as the “Oreshnik” (Hazelnut Tree) in a spectacular retorting action.
Putin asserts that this weapon, which can travel ten times faster than sound, can withstand Western air defense systems and could potentially target any Ukrainian partner whose missiles target Russia.
The seriousness of the matter has forced NATO and Ukraine to arrange emergency ambassador-level meetings; meanwhile, the parliament of Ukraine has called off a session in response to a credible assault threat on government facilities.
Several Western embassies closing temporarily in Kyiv highlight even more the increased danger and uncertainty.
As the world watches this hazardous new phase develop, concerns about the possibility of a dramatic escalation that could potentially lead to a confrontation between Russia and the NATO alliance are growing.
The judgment of Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk that the battle is “entering a decisive phase” and “taking on very dramatic dimensions” captures the mounting concern among the world community.
The path ahead is murky, as both sides seem ready to stretch the envelope in a game of brinksmanship with great stakes.
The threat of additional escalation, including the use of nuclear weapons, casts a gloomy shadow over the continuous fight for the future of Ukraine; hence, the necessity of diplomatic solutions and crisis management is never more vital.