Russia Warns of Nuclear Confrontation as US Arms Ukraine Amid Escalating Conflict

Russia’s Response to US Missile Supply to Ukraine

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – Russia reacts to Ukraine’s use of US long-range missiles, the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS). This action raises fears of a possible third world war. Russian officials signal readiness for nuclear confrontation with the US and its allies.

Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that the West desires to escalate conflict. He made these remarks during a press conference at the G20 summit in Brazil. He noted that the repeated use of ATACMS in Russia’s Bryansk region is a clear sign of this escalation.

Lavrov pointed out that without American support, it would be impossible for Ukraine to operate such advanced missiles. Moscow has previously warned the West about the consequences of allowing Ukraine to launch attacks directly on Russian territory.

Former Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev has threatened the potential for escalation into a new world war. On Monday, President Joe Biden approved the use of Lockheed Martin’s ATACMS by Ukraine, allowing strikes on targets up to 300 km away. This decision comes just two months before Biden’s term ends.

President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree updating Russia’s nuclear doctrine. The new guidelines state that any aggression against Russia by non-nuclear countries, backed by nuclear powers, will be viewed as a joint attack. Russia can respond with nuclear force if it perceives critical threats to its sovereignty.

Putin’s administration asserts that aggression involving conventional weapons from non-nuclear states could trigger a nuclear response, especially if Belarus is threatened.

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has now surpassed 1,000 days since it began on February 24, 2022. Recently, Russia intensified its attacks on Ukrainian cities, resulting in numerous civilian casualties.

Recent reports indicate Ukraine struggles to maintain control over Kursk, an area it captured in August. Kyiv warns of a potential Russian offensive, bolstered by approximately 50,000 troops, by North Korean forces.

Germany is seeking China’s assistance to de-escalate tensions. Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed concern about North Korea’s involvement in the conflict. NATO Chief Mark Rutte emphasizes that letting Putin win would pose a significant threat to Europe.

He stated the importance of preventing Putin from achieving his goals, as it would embolden Russia at Europe’s borders, creating a direct threat to all nations involved.