Russia-Ukraine War: Nuclear Threat? What World Leaders Are Saying

1. Aakhir Tak – In Shorts:

• Russia lowered the threshold for using nuclear weapons following a Ukrainian strike on Russian territory using US-supplied missiles.
• This move has sparked global concern about the potential for nuclear war.
• The US condemned Russia’s actions and advised its citizens in Ukraine to seek shelter.
• Many European countries condemned Russia’s actions, while Turkey expressed support for Russia.
• China has been urged to play a mediating role.

2. Aakhir Tak – In Depth:

On the 1000th day of the war between Russia and Ukraine, Ukraine launched ATACMS missiles supplied by the US, targeting sites within Russian territory. In response, Russian President Vladimir Putin lowered the threshold for deploying nuclear weapons, signaling a readiness for retaliation against conventional attacks from Ukraine and its allies. The Kremlin described the move as a deterrent, but the increasingly bellicose rhetoric has fueled international concerns of an imminent nuclear strike.

The US embassy in Kyiv temporarily closed, citing “specific information” about a potential large-scale air attack. The State Department urged US citizens in Ukraine to prepare to shelter in place if an air alert is announced. The US State Department criticized Russia’s nuclear rhetoric, stating that they saw no need to adjust its nuclear posture, urging Moscow to cease this irresponsible behavior. They expressed immense concern over Russia’s hybrid warfare tactics and maintained close contact with European allies.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov sought to alleviate fears, stating that Moscow remains committed to avoiding nuclear war, emphasizing a continued advocacy for a world free of nuclear weapons. The Kremlin reiterated that nuclear weapons are solely a means of deterrence, while making clear the inevitability of retaliation if Russia is attacked.

French President Emmanuel Macron called on China to play a mediating role in de-escalating tensions, urging Beijing to pressure Putin to exercise restraint and end the war. He highlighted China’s key role in preventing further escalation and denounced North Korea’s decision to send troops to Ukraine, arguing it increased global security risks.

European leaders condemned Russia’s actions, with ministers from major EU countries accusing Moscow of “systematically attacking European security architecture” during a meeting in Brussels. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer reaffirmed the UK’s unwavering support for Ukraine, dismissing Putin’s rhetoric as “irresponsible.”

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, however, struck a more cautious tone, suggesting Russia’s actions were defensive, stating that Russia must take steps to protect itself. He indicated Turkey would continue to call for peace despite Ukraine’s missile attack on Russia, describing it as “not positive”.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot downplayed Putin’s decision as mere “rhetoric”, asserting that they are not intimidated.

3. Key Takeaways to Remember:

The Russia-Ukraine war’s escalating potential for nuclear conflict is causing global anxiety. Understanding Russia’s altered nuclear policy and the responses of world leaders is crucial. Whether this is a genuine threat or political posturing remains unclear, but caution is warranted.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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