The conflict in Ukraine has reached a new level of tension following President Joe Biden's decision to allow Ukraine to use US-made Atacms rockets against Russian and North Korean forces, reversing an earlier ban. This move has been perceived by Russian lawmaker Maria Butina as a potential catalyst for a third world war, arguing that the Biden administration is escalating the situation while still in power.
President Vladimir Putin warned that such actions could lead to direct involvement of NATO countries in the war, as Western military infrastructure and personnel would need to be involved in missile operations. In response, Russia is reportedly exploring ways to counteract if Western nations help Ukraine strike deep into Russian territory.
Meanwhile, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy suggested that the evidence of this policy change would be seen on the battlefield. The recent attacks on Ukraine have been severe, with Russia launching a massive assault involving 120 missiles and 90 drones, causing significant casualties and damage to Ukraine's power grid.
The attacks have prompted international discussions on how to address the ongoing conflict. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk criticized diplomatic efforts as ineffective, emphasizing the need for tangible support for Ukraine. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz defended his outreach to Putin, but acknowledged that the Russian president's stance remains largely unchanged.
Simultaneously, NATO continues to bolster its presence in the region, with Finland hosting its first large-scale artillery exercises since joining the alliance. These developments underscore the broader international implications of the conflict as world leaders prepare to address the situation at the upcoming G20 summit.
