The world is on the brink of a global conflict between major powers.
International analyst David Ignatius writes about this in his article for The Washington Post.
It centers on the fact that last week, US President Joe Biden, having avoided possible retaliation from Russia, rejected a request from Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky to use US missiles to strike targets inside Russia.
Ignacio emphasizes that Ukraine’s supporters criticize Biden’s caution, considering it a sign of weakness. However, the author considers these criticisms to be superficial and short-sighted.
“We should not want a hot head in the White House. By avoiding the risk of escalation, Biden followed the advice of his intelligence advisers and fulfilled the obligations of any president to reduce the threat of nuclear war,” the expert said. .
However, Ignatius believes that Biden should take stronger steps to support Ukraine, even if he abandons the use of long-range ATACMS missiles. He expressed concern about a visit to kyiv, where he noted that war-weary Ukraine could come under pressure.
Zelensky’s political base is increasingly fractured and the protracted conflict is exhausting the country. According to the expert, the United States and its allies are obliged to help kyiv achieve a just peace, even if this does not lead to the complete victory that Zelensky seeks.
The author also notes that Russia is increasingly emphasizing that long-range missile strikes are a “red line.” While Ukraine is already carrying out attacks on Russian territory using drones and missiles, Putin announced changes to nuclear doctrine, considering attacks on non-nuclear states backed by a nuclear power a “joint attack.”
Ignacio believes that Russia could attack key transportation hubs in Poland, from where American weapons are supplied to Ukraine, or intensify its actions against Western operations, helping kyiv. In his opinion, the situation in Ukraine is approaching a point where the world could face a large-scale war between superpowers, comparable to the Cuban missile crisis of 1962.
He notes that in October 2022, as Russian positions weakened in Kherson and Kharkov, intelligence told Biden there was a 50% chance Putin would use tactical nuclear weapons. The author concludes that Biden should continue to support Ukraine with all available means, but in his opinion, in this context, it is important that he does not act recklessly.
Previously, Kursor reported that almost half of the Russians under investigation will be sent to fight.
