Putin declares Russia could launch nuclear strike in response to conventional attack | BBC News

Summary

The Russia-Ukraine conflict marks its 1,000th day with heightened tensions following the US granting Ukraine permission to fire long-range missiles into Russian territory. Russia's response includes a shift in its nuclear doctrine, lowering the threshold for nuclear weapon use in the face of conventional attacks. On the battlefield, Russia has gained significant territory in 2024, but at a heavy cost. Meanwhile, the international community remains divided, with the G20 summit revealing frustrations over the lack of stronger action. The uncertainty of upcoming US leadership under President Trump adds further complexity, leaving the future of the conflict highly unpredictable.

Takeaways

• 😀 The US has granted Ukraine permission to fire long-range missiles into Russia, marking a significant shift in US policy.
• 😀 Russia confirmed the missile attack on its Briansk region, with no reports of casualties, but has vowed to react accordingly.
• 😀 The missile strike and the broader conflict are being closely watched by world leaders at the G20 summit in Brazil.
• 😀 Russia's foreign minister, Sergey Lavrov, stated that the missile attack signals a desire from the West to escalate the conflict.
• 😀 Russia has lowered its nuclear threshold, allowing the potential use of nuclear weapons if attacked by conventional forces that threaten Russian sovereignty.
• 😀 Despite the lowered nuclear threshold, experts believe Putin may not immediately resort to nuclear weapons, as the decision is influenced by his emotions and unpredictable leadership style.
• 😀 In 2024, Russia has made significant territorial gains, seizing nearly 2,000 square kilometers, far more than in 2023.
• 😀 Ukraine faces heavy bombardment and intense fighting, particularly in the eastern region, with both sides suffering casualties.
• 😀 President Donald Trump's return to power could shift the US approach to the war, potentially freezing frontlines or reversing decisions on missile support for Ukraine.
• 😀 Leaders at the G20 summit have expressed varied levels of support for Ukraine, with the UK advocating for continued military aid to help Ukraine win the war.
• 😀 Despite frustration over weaker language in the G20 summit declaration, Ukraine maintains that Russia is the aggressor and calls for an end to the illegal invasion.

Q & A

What recent action did the US take regarding Ukraine's missile capabilities?

The US granted permission for Ukraine to fire American long-range missiles into Russia, which led to an attack on a target within Russia's recognized territorial borders.

What was Russia's response to the missile attack from Ukraine?

Russia confirmed the attack in the Brians region and stated that they would react accordingly, with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov indicating that the missile strike signified the West's intent to escalate the conflict.

What significant change did Russia make regarding its nuclear policy?

Russia lowered its nuclear threshold, reserving the right to use nuclear weapons even if attacked by conventional forces, as long as the attack threatens Russia's sovereignty or territorial integrity.

How does the change in Russia's nuclear doctrine affect the West?

The change is seen as a pressure tactic aimed at the West, signaling to Europe and America not to allow Ukraine to strike Russian territory with long-range missiles, and it is part of a broader effort to deter further escalation.

What is the current situation on the ground in Ukraine, specifically regarding Russia's territorial gains?

Since the start of 2024, Russia has gained significant territory, including nearly 2,000 square kilometers of land, which is almost six times more than what Russia seized in 2023. Despite heavy casualties, Russia is continuing its offensive.

How does Russia's recent territorial gain impact potential peace talks?

Russia's territorial gains could give it a stronger position in any potential peace talks, especially if President Trump, who has expressed a willingness to end the war quickly, comes to power and initiates negotiations.

What has President Zelensky expressed at the G20 Summit about the situation in Ukraine?

President Zelensky expressed frustration at the lack of strong response from world leaders to Russia's change in its nuclear doctrine, emphasizing that Ukraine remains committed to fighting back against Russian aggression.

What is the stance of the British Prime Minister regarding support for Ukraine?

The British Prime Minister has emphasized the importance of providing Ukraine with what it needs to win the war, including the possibility of using British-made missiles, although the specifics of this support remain operational and undisclosed.

What role does the unpredictability of President Putin play in the situation?

President Putin's unpredictability is a significant factor in the conflict, as his emotional decision-making could lead to unpredictable escalations, including the use of nuclear weapons, though it is not clear whether he would act on those threats.

What is the potential impact of President Trump's return to the White House on the war in Ukraine?

If President Trump returns to power, there is uncertainty about how he will handle the war in Ukraine. He has suggested he could end the war quickly, but it is unclear how he plans to do so or whether he will reverse the decision to allow Ukraine to use long-range missiles.