On Wednesday, the Kremlin condemned NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg’s recent remarks as “dangerous,” according to Reuters. Stoltenberg had suggested that allowing Ukraine to use Western long-range missiles against Russian territory would not escalate the conflict with Moscow. This statement contradicts Russian President Vladimir Putin’s warning that such actions would be viewed as direct involvement by the West in the ongoing war.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been pushing for access to advanced Western weapons like U.S.-supplied ATACMS and British Storm Shadows to weaken Russia’s ability to carry out attacks. In an interview with *The Times*, Stoltenberg argued that Putin's previous threats did not result in escalation and that NATO’s military strength and nuclear deterrent make a confrontation unlikely.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov reacted strongly, labeling Stoltenberg’s comments as “extremely provocative and dangerous.” Peskov accused the NATO leader of dismissing Putin’s warnings, which mirror Russia's broader unease over Western military support for Ukraine. This support now includes tanks, advanced missiles, and the delivery of F-16 fighter jets.
As debates continue among Ukraine’s allies about expanding the scope of strikes into Russian territory, Russian officials have hinted at the potential for a nuclear response. Recently, the head of Russia’s nuclear test site indicated that the facility is ready to resume tests if needed.
Ukraine’s advances into Russian regions like Kursk have only reinforced the idea that Putin’s so-called “red lines” are flexible. Many Western leaders view Russia’s nuclear threats as a bluff meant to dissuade deeper involvement. On Tuesday, Zelenskyy is set to address the United Nations Security Council about the conflict.
This meeting, requested by the United States, the United Kingdom, and other nations, coincides with the annual UN General Assembly in New York. While the General Assembly has overwhelmingly condemned Russia's invasion, the Security Council remains deadlocked due to Russia’s veto power.
Zelenskyy’s visit to the U.S., where he plans to meet with President Joe Biden, comes at a crucial moment in the war. Despite Kyiv’s forces making a surprise incursion into Russia’s Kursk region last month, Russian troops are still inching forward in eastern Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian drone attacks in Russia’s Belgorod region continue. Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov reported that one civilian was injured after a drone struck a truck near Shebekino, and another vehicle was damaged in Nikolskoye. Emergency services are currently assessing the situation.
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