Russia Lowers Nuclear Threshold as Ukraine Fires U.S. Missiles into Russian Territory

On the 1,000th day of Russia’s war in Ukraine, tensions escalated dramatically as Ukraine fired U.S.-made ATACMS missiles into Russian territory, targeting an ammunition depot in the Bryansk region. The strikes, which mark the first time Ukraine has used American missiles against Russia, have raised fears of further escalation in the ongoing conflict.

The attack, involving six long-range ATACMS missiles, comes just days after President Joe Biden authorized their use for strikes inside Russia, reversing his previous stance. The strike reportedly targeted warehouses containing artillery ammunition, including munitions supplied by North Korea.

This development follows reports that thousands of North Korean soldiers have joined Russian forces in Ukraine, a significant escalation that prompted Biden’s decision to provide Ukraine with the long-requested missiles.

On the same day as the missile strikes, Russian President Vladimir Putin lowered the threshold for using nuclear weapons. The new doctrine now equates any aggression against Russia or its allies by a non-nuclear state, with the support of a nuclear state, as a “joint attack” warranting nuclear response.

The White House National Security Council dismissed Russia’s announcement as “irresponsible rhetoric” but confirmed that the U.S. had anticipated the shift. "Russia’s use of DPRK soldiers in combat operations against Ukraine presents a significant escalation of its war of choice," an NSC spokesperson stated.

The missile strikes and Russia’s nuclear posture adjustment have sparked mixed reactions:

• Escalation Concerns: Analysts warn that allowing Ukraine to strike within Russian borders risks provoking unpredictable responses from Moscow.

• Strategic Advantage: Others argue that the strikes strengthen Ukraine’s negotiating position ahead of President-elect Donald Trump’s term, with Trump pledging to broker a quick end to the war.

• Regional Instability: North Korea’s involvement in the war as a combatant adds a volatile new element, complicating global efforts to de-escalate the conflict.

As the war enters a new phase, the stakes have never been higher. With Ukraine emboldened by U.S. support and Russia signaling a more aggressive stance, the potential for miscalculation looms large.

President-elect Trump has vowed to end the conflict swiftly, but the path forward remains fraught with challenges as global powers navigate this dangerous escalation.

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