WASHINGTON: The United States (US) denounced Russia’s “bellicose” and “irresponsible” statements following Moscow’s recent decision to lower its nuclear strike threshold.
The US State Department Spokesperson, Matthew Miller, stated that such remarks will not contribute to Russia’s security. He also said that the United States sees no need to modify its own nuclear stance.
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Miller’s remarks followed Russian President Vladimur Putin’s formal revision of Russia’s nuclear policy, which now permits a potential nuclear response to conventional attacks that are supported by nuclear-armed states.
The adjustment comes after the Biden administration allowed Ukraine to target locations within Russian territory using US-provided long-range weaponry.
The updated nuclear policy from Kremlin states that any conventional assault on Russia, especially if backed by a nuclear power, will be intercepted as a collective attack on the nation.
Kremlin spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, suggested that Russia might consider a nuclear response if Ukraine employed Western-supplied missiles against Russian positions.
The doctrine aims to communicate the certainty of retaliation for any aggression against Russia or its allies.
The United Kingdom (UK) Prime Minister Keir Starmer also condemned Russia’s rhetoric, in a show of unity with the US bloc. Starmer stated that such ‘threats’ would not deter the UK from supporting Ukraine.
The UK PM called for an end to the conflict, noting that a thousand days have passed since Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Recently, a desperate Ukraine utilised US-made long-range missiles to strike Russian military targets. Reports indicated successful hits on an ammunition depot.
While Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy did not confirm specific strike, he did mention that his nation was committed to employing its new long-range capabilities.
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Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov, accused the West of attempting to escalate the conflict. He said that Ukraine using advanced missile would not be feasible without US assistance.
Lavrov warned that Russia would respond “appropriately “ to any attacks on its territory.