The war in Europe involving Russia and Ukraine increasingly raises concerns about the outbreak of World War III. (PD 3). This happened after the US allowed Ukraine to use long-range weapons to attack Russian cities.
On Tuesday, the deadly missile was also used by Kyiv to strike several targets in Bryansk, Russia. Russian Foreign Minister, who was at the G20 summit in Brazil, firmly declared that this was an “escalation of war.”
Vladimir Putin also responded by signing a new nuclear doctrine that appears to be intended as a “warning” to Washington. The doctrine lowers the threshold for when Russia can use nuclear weapons to respond to attacks threatening its territorial integrity.
The updated document state, if supported by a nuclear power, will be considered a joint attack. The doctrine also states, Russia can use nuclear weapons if there is a critical threat. That the launch of ballistic missiles against Russia will be among the conditions that could warrant a nuclear response.
The US Embassy in Ukraine is “Shutdown”
On Wednesday, the US Embassy in the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, was temporarily closed due to a threat of an airstrike. It is unclear whether the threat originated from Moscow, but White House confirmed that the embassy had to be closed.
“The US Embassy has received specific information about a potential significant airstrike on November 20,” states in their website.
All NATO members did the same. Like Canada, Greece, Hungary, Italy, and Spain.
LatAm Countries Respond to the Escalation of the Russia-Ukraine War
Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and Mexico called for joint efforts to avoid actions that would “escalate the arms”. The four countries stated that the action would escalate the conflict. They urged all parties involved to fulfill their international commitments and prioritize dialogue and seek peace in the region.
The Latest Call from Chinese President Xi Jinping
Chinese President Xi Jinping also called for “more voices” to end the war in Ukraine. This was reported by the state news agency, Xinhua, covering Xi’s visit to the G20 summit in Brazil.
Xi delivered his call during a state visit to Brasilia, where he was hosted by Brazilian President Lula da Silva. The two countries are said to have submitted a joint peace proposal for the Russia-Ukraine war.
“Want to see more voices committed to peace to pave the way for a political solution to the Ukraine crisis,” Xi’s said.
Ukraine Shoots British Bombs at Russia
Meanwhile, in the latest reports from several British media outlets, Ukraine is said to have fired Storm Shadow missiles at Russia. This is the first time that this deadly weapon, capable of penetrating bunkers and ammunition depots, has been used in a war in Europe.
The same thing was also reported by The Guardian. It is said that the UK has given Ukraine permission to use missiles in Russia in response to Moscow’s deployment of North Korean troops at the border.
Ukrainian media uploaded aerial footage from a drone showing a series of explosions in the countryside. They referred to the location as Maryino.
Pro-Russian military bloggers wrote that around a dozen Storm Shadow missiles were fired at targets in the border region of Kursk. Part of that Russian territory is now controlled by Ukrainian forces.
NATO’s Latest Reaction
The director of the Dynamic Front 25 exercise in Finland, Colonel Janne Makitalo, said the main goal is to train and develop interoperability within the alliance’s artillery units. Including preparing troops for harsh Arctic conditions, after Norway, Sweden, and Finland all became NATO members.
He dismissed the notion that NATO could provoke Moscow, especially by showcasing its military strength in Russia’s backyard.
“This is not some kind of show of force,” he emphasized, adding that Finland’s joining NATO brings 280,000 troops to the northern side of the alliance.
However, a researcher at the Finnish Institute of International Affairs, Joel Linnainmaki, said the massive military exercises should be interpreted as a message to Russia. Finland itself is only 1,340 kilometers (km) away from the Kremlin.
“This NATO exercise is increasingly intended to show other countries, particularly Russia in this case, that the alliance is united and capable of defending its members,” he said.
Meanwhile, several NATO countries are starting to prepare their citizens for war. This is happening amid the intensifying war in Europe involving Russia and Ukraine, with Kyiv using the American-made long-range weapon, the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS), against Russia and Moscow updating its nuclear weapon usage doctrine.
Sweden, Finland, and Norway have taken steps to issue information and advice to their residents on how to prepare for the possibility of war or other unexpected crises. All three urged their citizens to stockpile essential supplies.
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