Russia-Ukraine War Escalates as Putin Warns of Nuclear Response to Western-Backed Airstrikes

GG News Bureau
Moscow, 27th Sept. As the Russia-Ukraine war enters its third year, the involvement of Western nations, particularly the United States and Britain, has intensified, reshaping the conflict’s trajectory. Armed with advanced long-range missiles provided by its Western allies, Ukraine has gained the ability to strike deep into Russian territory. In response, Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a stern warning, convening an urgent high-level meeting on Wednesday, where he cautioned that continued airstrikes inside Russia could provoke a nuclear response, marking a dangerous new phase in the war.

Western Support Boosts Ukraine’s Offensive
In recent weeks, Ukraine’s military capabilities have grown significantly due to a fresh influx of sophisticated weaponry from the US and UK. Among the new assets is the British-made “Storm Shadow” cruise missile, which Ukraine has been allowed to deploy against targets deep within Russia. This marks a strategic shift in the war, as Kyiv now possesses the capacity to target Russian cities far from the front lines.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and US President Joe Biden reportedly finalized an agreement to supply Ukraine with additional weapons, further enhancing its firepower. The missile strikes have already begun to take a toll on Russian cities, with Moscow and other strategic locations facing unprecedented bombardment.

Putin’s Nuclear Threat: A Warning to the West
The Kremlin has responded forcefully to these developments. During Wednesday’s emergency meeting, Putin expressed deep concern over the increasing Western support for Ukraine’s airstrikes. He warned that if the bombardment of Russian cities continues, Russia could consider more extreme measures, including a possible nuclear response.

“If Western nations continue to enable Ukraine to bomb Russian cities, this is no longer a war between Russia and Ukraine, but a direct conflict with the West,” Putin reportedly told his advisors. His remarks signal a potential shift in Russia’s nuclear doctrine, which currently limits the use of nuclear weapons to situations involving weapons of mass destruction or existential threats to the nation.

Russia’s Nuclear Policy: A Shifting Doctrine
Russia’s nuclear policy, shaped by the US-Russia New START Treaty signed in 2010, has historically been focused on arms control and mutual limits. However, Putin’s recent comments suggest that this doctrine may be reconsidered in light of the escalating conflict. The treaty, designed to cap the number of deployed nuclear warheads and delivery systems, now appears to be under strain as the war intensifies.

Global Stakes: India’s Role and Western Involvement
While nations like India continue to advocate for peaceful solutions to the conflict, Western powers remain committed to supporting Ukraine. Moscow has criticized this support, arguing that it is pushing the war toward a more dangerous escalation. US and UK leaders, however, defend their stance, asserting that their military aid is crucial for Ukraine to defend its sovereignty.

As diplomatic efforts stall, the risk of the conflict spreading beyond Ukraine’s borders grows. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether Putin’s nuclear threat leads to diplomatic breakthroughs or further escalates tensions, bringing the world closer to a potential crisis.