Kiev. Another major turning point has come in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. On Tuesday, Ukraine attacked Russia with the missile that had been talked about for the past few days. This is the same missile, about which Russian President Vladimir Putin had already warned of nuclear war. Now this attack is taking the form of a serious crisis, which can prove to be an alarm bell not only for the relations between Ukraine and Russia, but for the entire world.
According to reports, the Ukrainian military used an “Army Tactical Missile System” (ATACMS) to target a Russian military facility in the western Bryansk region. This is the same missile system, the use of which was recently given to Ukraine by US President Joe Biden. This attack was the first major attack after the Biden administration gave Ukraine the green signal to use these missiles on a limited basis.
Russia’s Defense Ministry has confirmed this attack. According to the Interfax news agency, Russia also claimed that its forces destroyed five missiles, and there were no casualties. However, no official information about the missiles used by Ukraine in this attack has been made public yet. Ukraine’s General Staff also confirmed the attack, in which an explosion occurred at a warehouse in the Russian city of Karachev, causing explosions in ammunition stored there. This warehouse was about 115 kilometers from the Ukrainian border.
The ATACMS missile has a range of up to 300 kilometers (186 mi), making it capable of reaching deep inside Russia. This missile system gives Ukraine the power to attack its targets inside Russia, which could turn the conflict in a new direction. This is a serious threat for Russia, especially when Russian President Putin had already warned about the use of this missile. Putin said on September 12 that if Ukraine and Western countries used long-range missiles against Russia, it would be a major step that could lead to nuclear war. He said that this step could create a situation of direct involvement of America and NATO countries in the Ukraine war.
US government support
This attack took place a day before US President Joe Biden had given Ukraine permission to use long-range missiles to attack Russia. This step was taken by the US against Russia’s alleged plan to deploy North Korean troops and attack the Ukrainian army through them. Both Seoul and Washington are claiming that North Korean troops deployed in Russia’s western Kursk region have now opened a front against the Ukrainian army. After this, the Biden administration took this decision, so that Ukraine could get more strength in its defense.
This decision of America has come at a time when tension between Russia and NATO is at its peak. These missiles attacking Ukraine are directly challenging Russia and making the course of the war more complicated. At the same time, this step of the Biden administration is being seen as a strong military aid to Ukraine, but at the same time this step can also increase the risk of global war. There may be a strong reaction from Russia, which may bring the world to the brink of another serious war.
Russia’s threat and the nuclear option
Russian President Putin had already given a statement that if Western countries and Ukraine use missiles like ATACMS against Russia, then Russia will have the right to use nuclear weapons to defend itself. He warned that during this war, Russia has the right to take every necessary step for its security, which may also include the option of nuclear attacks. Putin had said, “This is not a normal war. This is a question of Russia’s existence. If our security is in danger, we can take any action.”
This warning from Russia is creating a great fear across the world. If Russia proves its threats to be true, it could lead to a nuclear war, which could be devastating not only for Ukraine and Russia, but for the entire world. After such a reaction of Russia in global politics, it is clear that Russia is not going to leave any stone unturned to win this war at any cost.
US election context
This step of Joe Biden has been taken at a time when he is going to leave the White House in January 2025. Discussions are intense in America regarding the presidential election and the question is arising whether this step of Biden will become an important part of his presidential tenure. At the same time, Donald Trump, who is contesting for the presidential candidacy in the next election, has raised questions on America’s role in the Ukraine war. Trump says America should limit its role in the Ukraine conflict and try to end the war quickly. There is also a possibility that if Trump becomes President, he may change this decision, because he has already criticized American help for this war.
The future of Russia and Ukraine
The conflict currently going on between Russia and Ukraine has become a serious crisis not only between the two countries but for the entire world. Western military aid to Ukraine and threats of nuclear attack by Russia are complicating the war. This could result in global recession, energy crisis, and many other problems around the world.
This step of Ukraine is a warning to Russia, but will Russia implement its threats? Is the world ready to face another nuclear war? Only time will answer these questions.
