Tue Nov 19 20:15:48 UTC 2024: ## Russia Lowers Nuclear Threshold After Ukraine Missile Strike; West Condemns “Irresponsible” Move

**Moscow, Brussels, Washington D.C. –** Russia has significantly lowered the threshold for using its nuclear arsenal, triggering widespread condemnation from the West. The move follows a reported Ukrainian attack on Russian territory using US-supplied long-range ATACMS missiles.

The Russian Ministry of Defence claimed Ukraine launched six ATACMS missiles at the Bryansk region, with air defenses intercepting five. While Ukraine has not officially confirmed the weapons used, anonymous sources from both Ukraine and the US confirmed the use of ATACMS to Reuters. This attack, occurring shortly after the US authorized Ukraine to use ATACMS against Russian targets, is being framed by Russia as a “new phase of the Western war.”

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Russia will respond “accordingly” to what he called a qualitative escalation of the conflict. He urged the West to carefully review the newly published Russian nuclear doctrine, which President Vladimir Putin signed Tuesday.

The updated doctrine expands the circumstances under which Russia may use nuclear weapons, including responding to conventional attacks that threaten Russia’s “sovereignty and territorial integrity,” or that of its ally Belarus. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that a Ukrainian long-range missile strike could trigger a nuclear response.

The West reacted strongly to the announcement. US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller called Russia’s nuclear rhetoric and behavior “irresponsible,” stating that the US will not alter its nuclear posture in response. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell condemned the threats as “completely irresponsible,” echoing sentiments expressed by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer who described the doctrine as the “latest example of irresponsibility” from the Russian government.

The incident further intensifies the conflict, occurring on the war’s 1000th day, and highlights the escalating tensions between Russia and the West. The use of ATACMS and Russia’s lowered nuclear threshold mark a significant turning point in the conflict, raising fears of potential escalation.

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