Russia has issued a stern warning that the war in Ukraine is approaching a "final stage," potentially involving the use of tactical nuclear weapons.
This grim scenario could spiral into a full-scale war, according to Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of Russia's Security Council.
War in Ukraine Heading Towards a Dangerous Endgame
Medvedev's stark warning comes amid escalating tensions. He emphasized that the current conflict could evolve into its most severe phase, dismissing any notions that these threats are mere scare tactics.
"This is No Bluff"
Medvedev stated,
"Unfortunately, this is neither intimidation nor a bluff."
His comments reflect a growing belief in Russia that Western involvement in Ukraine is tantamount to an act of war against Russia.
The warning followed reports that the United States has given Ukraine the green light to strike Russian territory under certain conditions with Western-supplied weapons.
This move, according to the Kremlin, equates to a declaration of war.
Also read
"Participating in a War Against Us"
The former Russian president accused NATO countries of direct military involvement.
"Russia views all long-range weapons used by Ukraine as being directly controlled by NATO military personnel. This is not military aid; this is participation in a war against us," Medvedev asserted.
He warned that such actions could very well serve as a casus belli—a provocation leading to war.
A Deadly Mistake
Medvedev has often been the Kremlin's voice for delivering its most severe and hostile statements toward the West.
He cautioned that it would be a "deadly mistake" for the West to assume Russia is unprepared to use nuclear weapons against Ukraine. Furthermore, he hinted at Russia's capability to target other "hostile countries" without specifying which nations he meant.
Diplomatic analysts suggest that Medvedev's statements represent the views of the older generation within Putin's regime.
Medvedev highlighted the escalating nature of the conflict, noting the increasing firepower of NATO weapons used by Ukraine.
"The current military conflict with the West is unfolding according to the worst possible scenario," he claimed.
U.S. Policy Shift
According to sources within the Biden administration, Ukraine requested permission to strike Russian territory after Russia's significant offensive against Kharkiv began this month. This policy change was reportedly decided in recent days.
Ukraine is now allowed to use U.S.-supplied weapons, such as rockets and rocket launchers, to intercept Russian missiles targeting Kharkiv, to attack troops massing just across the Russian border, or to target Russian bombers launching strikes against Ukrainian territory.
However, they are prohibited from using these weapons to hit civilian infrastructure or deep inside Russian territory.
