In a recent development that has sent shockwaves through the international community, Russia has issued a stern warning to the United Kingdom.
The warning suggests that Britain's support for Ukraine could potentially lead to a catastrophic clash between nuclear powers. This comes as Russian President Vladimir Putin has pledged to increase the launch of hypersonic missiles aimed at Ukrainian targets.
Andrey Kelin, Russia's ambassador to the UK, has expressed grave concerns over the escalating situation. According to the Daily Mail, Kelin has pointed to the Western support, particularly from the US, Britain, and France, for Ukraine's use of Western missiles against Russian targets. He warned that such actions could lead to a dangerous collision between nuclear powers.
The Kremlin, earlier this week, hinted that it was within its rights to attack the military targets of countries that permit their weapons to be used against Russian facilities. This thinly-veiled threat to the West followed the US's endorsement of Kyiv's use of ATACMS missiles against Russian and North Korean forces stationed in Russia.
In a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict, Putin ordered the mass production of the Oreshnik, a hypersonic missile believed to be capable of reaching Britain in less than 20 minutes, following a successful strike on the Ukrainian city of Dnipro. Putin emphasized the unique capabilities of the missile, stating, "There is no countermeasure to such a missile, no means of intercepting it, in the world today. And I will emphasize once again that we will continue testing this newest system. It is necessary to establish serial production."
As tensions continue to rise, Ambassador Kelin informed Sky News that Britain is now directly involved in the Ukrainian conflict, following reports of its Storm Shadow missiles being used to strike targets within Russia. He stated, "Absolutely, Britain and UK is now directly involved in this war, because this firing cannot happen without NATO staff, British staff as well."
The Pentagon has also informed Ukraine that North Korean targets reinforcing Russian lines within Russia are 'fair targets'. However, the Kremlin has claimed that it is making 'maximum effort' to avoid a nuclear conflict, following an update to its nuclear doctrine this week.
The updated policy allows Putin's strategic forces to deploy their devastating weapons if Russia or Belarus is threatened by a non-nuclear nation supported by a nuclear power. Threats that could warrant a nuclear response from Russia's leadership include an attack with conventional missiles, drones, or other aircraft, according to the updated document.
Putin has also announced that Moscow will conduct more tests of the hypersonic Oreshnik ballistic missile in 'combat conditions,' a day after firing one on Ukraine. He said, "We will continue these tests, including in combat conditions, depending on the situation and character of the security threats posted to Russia."
The Russian leader further emphasized the power of the Oreshnik missile, stating that even though it isn't an intercontinental missile, its use in an attack could be as devastating as a strike with strategic - or nuclear - weapons.
In a televised address to the nation, Putin stated that Russia reserved the right to fire missiles at military facilities in countries whose weapons are being used by Ukraine - specifically the United States and Britain.
Meanwhile, Ukraine is seeking updated air defense systems from its Western partners following Russia's missile strike on the city of Dnipro. President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that Ukraine's defense minister is already in talks with partners about acquiring new air defense systems that can protect lives from new risks.
As the conflict continues to escalate, NATO and Ukraine are set to hold emergency talks following Russia's attack on Dnipro with the experimental, hypersonic ballistic missile.
Gen. Sergei Karakayev, head of Russia's Strategic Missile Forces, has stated that the Oreshnik could reach targets across Europe and be fitted with nuclear or conventional warheads. This echoes Putin's claim that even with conventional warheads, 'the massive use of the weapon would be comparable in effect to the use of nuclear weapons.'
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has maintained Russia's aggressive stance, blaming 'the reckless decisions and actions of Western countries' in supplying weapons to Ukraine to strike Russia.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbn, who is known to have the warmest relations with the Kremlin in the European Union, has echoed Moscow's talking points. He suggested that the use of U.S.-supplied weapons in Ukraine likely requires direct American involvement.
Orbn has also warned against underestimating Russia's responses, emphasizing that the country's recent modifications to its nuclear deployment doctrine should not be dismissed as a 'bluff.' 'It's not a trick- there will be consequences,' he said.
As the situation continues to unfold, the international community watches with bated breath, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the escalating conflict. The potential for a nuclear clash between powers is a chilling prospect, one that underscores the urgent need for diplomatic intervention and de-escalation.
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