Since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, The United States has provided aid to Ukraine. This support includes weapons and financial aid. The goal of this support is not only to help Ukraine defend its sovereignty but also to send a clear message to Russia, particularly to President Putin, that the international community will not tolerate Russia’s actions and that he’s not immune from reprisals.
Two weeks ago, U.S. officials confirmed that the departing Biden administration authorized Ukraine to use their long range missile on Russia territory. This proposal wasn’t expected by anyone as, at the beginning of the war, they clearly prohibited long range weapons. Putin has threatened the whole world with his nuclear weapons and that’s why Washington hasn’t authorized Ukraine to use their missiles on Russia before.
In response to that change of the US policy, the Kremlin which serves as the official seat of the government of Russia, replied by using a nuclear-capable intercontinental missile.
”Putin is out of control and he is taking Ukraine for a testing ground.”, said Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president. In his Tweet on X, he said that ” true peace is possible only with force”.
On the same day, Vladimir Putin updated Russia’s nuclear doctrine. It now suggests that nuclear weapons could be used in a conflict with non-nuclear state if the survival of Russia is at risk. However, using nuclear weapons would likely lead to massive international condemnation, potentially triggering a broader conflict with NATO or other countries.
ATACMS is a U.S. Army Tactical Missile System capable of destroying a target at a distance of 300 kilometers (about 186 miles). In addition to its variety of warheads, which can cause significant damage to the enemy infrastructures, the missile is equipped with a guidance system, allowing it to hit targets with high accuracy.
According to The Russian propaganda, fragments from the damaged ATACMS missiles fell on a military target, causing a fire that was quickly extinguished. The ministry also said there were no casualties.
Even though this decision was made after months of planification, the 2024 election had played a huge role in Biden’s decision. All through his campaign Trump promised to all the Americans that he could settle this war in only 24 hours. Due to the latest advances of Russia in the Ukrainian territory, Ukraine is in a bad position for a negotiation.
NATO, in response to Moscow provocations about expanding this conflict globally, invokes the fifth article of their founding treaty. It considers an attack on one member to be an attack on all. NATO also serves as a deterrent to Putin, who is frequently threatening the use of nuclear weapons.
