September 15th 2024.
Since February 2022, Russia has been actively involved in a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, causing tension and fear in the international community. In order to deter Western countries from providing aid to Ukraine, Russia has threatened to use nuclear weapons multiple times. This has been a cause of concern for many, as the possibility of a nuclear conflict is a frightening and devastating thought.
In response to Ukraine's ongoing Kursk offensive, Putin's top associates have stated that Russia is showing patience by not resorting to nuclear weapons. Ukraine, on the other hand, claims to have taken control of nearly 500 square miles of Russian territory through a surprise cross-border attack. This has complicated any efforts to negotiate a ceasefire and has strengthened Ukraine's position in potential territorial exchanges.
Ukraine has also been taking bolder actions, such as using drones to attack Russian cities and infrastructure, as well as occupying land. In fact, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been pushing for the ability to launch long-range missiles from within Ukraine's borders, a request that was discussed in a recent meeting between Prime Minister Keir Starmer and US President Joe Biden.
In response to Western fears of escalation, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has threatened to turn Kyiv into a "giant gray melted spot." This was followed by a test launch of Russia's nuclear-capable Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile on April 20, 2022. However, in a post on Telegram, the deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council stated that a nuclear conflict is not desired by anyone and that the decision to use nuclear weapons has not yet been made, despite the formal prerequisites for it.
The exchange of prisoners of war between Russia and Ukraine, brokered by the United Arab Emirates, also highlights the ongoing tensions between the two countries. In fact, among the 103 prisoners released by each side, there are Russians who were captured during Ukraine's invasion of Kursk. This has sparked a response from Ukrainian President Zelenskyy's chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, who stated that Putin's loud threats only show his fear of the potential end to his regime's terror.
It is clear that the situation between Russia and Ukraine remains volatile and unpredictable. The use of nuclear weapons is a possibility that no one wants to see come to fruition. As President Zelenskyy stated upon the release of Ukrainian soldiers, "our people are home," but the fear and uncertainty of what may happen next still looms over both countries.
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