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Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a dire warning, vowing to strike Kyiv with “all the means of destruction at Russia’s disposal” if Ukraine receives nuclear weapons from the United States. His statement comes in response to a New York Times report suggesting the possibility of the U.S. providing Ukraine with nuclear weapons before President Biden leaves office in January. Speaking from Kazakhstan, Putin declared that any such development would prompt Moscow to act decisively.
Striking Kyiv’s “Decision-Making Centres”
Putin specifically threatened to target Kyiv’s government centers using Russia’s new intermediate-range ballistic missile, the Oreshnik. He made it clear that Russia would respond forcefully to any use of Western-supplied missiles by Ukraine. This warning followed a massive Russian attack on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, which left over a million people without power. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the use of cruise missiles with cluster munitions during the assault, calling it a “vile escalation.”
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Ongoing Drone Attacks and Escalating Violence
Russia launched 132 drones overnight, striking Kyiv and Odesa. Ukraine’s air force successfully downed 88 of them, while 41 drones were lost to electronic warfare, and one returned to Russian territory. The attacks injured eight people, including one in Kyiv, where drone fragments struck a pediatric clinic and other buildings. Odesa saw damage to 13 residential buildings, leaving seven more injured. The attacks come on the heels of a record-setting drone assault earlier in the week, with 188 drones launched on Ukraine in one day.
Desertion Threatens Ukraine’s Military
Ukraine faces a severe challenge as desertion within its military rises, weakening its ability to resist Russia’s aggression. Tens of thousands of soldiers have left their posts, with some unable to return due to trauma and others clashing with commanders. This wave of desertion threatens Ukraine’s defensive lines, potentially weakening its position in future ceasefire negotiations.
Russia and North Korea Strengthen Ties
In a move symbolizing growing alignment, Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov visited North Korea. Photos showed him walking alongside North Korean officials in Pyongyang. Reports suggest that Russia may have provided air defense systems to North Korea in exchange for troop deployment to aid in the war against Ukraine. There are also claims that Russia is offering military technology to North Korea, further complicating the geopolitical landscape.
Global Response and Diplomatic Challenges
Ukraine has called on the international community to respond to Putin’s threats, urging global leaders not to succumb to what it describes as Russian “blackmail.” Ukrainian officials believe these statements are intended to test the incoming U.S. administration led by Donald Trump. While Trump has expressed admiration for Putin and promised to end the war swiftly, he has not detailed how he plans to achieve this.
Ukrainian Peace Summit Plans
Despite the escalating violence, Ukraine is preparing to host a second global peace summit aimed at ending Russia’s invasion. The first summit, held in Switzerland in June, saw over 90 countries in attendance but excluded Russia. Ukrainian officials hope to build on this framework, although major powers like China and India remain cautious about openly supporting Ukraine’s position.
Damage Control in Russia
Meanwhile, a Ukrainian drone attack on an oil depot in Russia’s Rostov region caused significant damage. Russian authorities claim they intercepted most of the drones, but a major fire broke out at an industrial site. Russian President Putin downplayed the damage caused by U.S.-made ATACMS missiles used by Ukraine, claiming it was minimal.
Putin’s latest threats mark a dangerous escalation in the ongoing conflict. The international community faces mounting pressure to respond as both sides continue to suffer devastating losses. With Ukraine’s military struggling against desertion and Russia deepening ties with North Korea, the conflict shows no signs of resolution. The coming months will be crucial in determining the trajectory of the war and the prospects for peace.