**West Boosts Ukraine’s Military, Russia Threatens Nuclear Strike**
The conflict between Ukraine and Russia has reached a critical point. Western powers have given Ukraine more military aid, while Russia has made its strongest threats yet of using nuclear weapons.
**Ukraine Gets More Arms from West**
Last week, the US gave Ukraine permission to use longer-range missiles to strike targets inside Russia. This was a major policy change by Washington, which had previously refused Ukraine’s requests to do so. Ukraine then fired several missiles into Russia’s Bryansk region, marking the first time American-made missiles have struck Russian soil.
The US also approved the use of anti-personnel landmines for Ukraine, which are highly effective in slowing down an enemy’s advance. This shows that Western powers are committed to supporting Ukraine.
**Russia Threatens Nuclear Strike**
Meanwhile, Russia has made its strongest threats yet of using nuclear weapons. President Putin changed Russia’s nuclear doctrine, lowering the threshold for using such weapons. He also deployed a new type of missile, which he claimed could travel at 10 times the speed of sound and was impossible to counteract.
These moves are seen as a warning that Russia might use nuclear weapons if it chooses to do so. However, many experts believe that Russia’s threats are not taken seriously by Western leaders because they have been repeated so often in the past.
**China Keeps Russia in Check**
One reason why Western leaders may feel less concerned about Russia’s nuclear threats is that China has become a vital partner for Moscow. The US and other countries believe that China would react with horror at the use of nuclear weapons, which would discourage Putin from making good on his threats.
**Global Conflict Looms?**
The war between Ukraine and Russia has acquired elements of a global character, according to President Putin. This means that many countries are now involved in the conflict or have threatened to become involved if needed.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un also warned of the threat of nuclear war, blaming the US for its aggressive policy towards Pyongyang.
**Trump’s Arrival May Change Everything**
The impending arrival of new US President Donald Trump may change the dynamics of the conflict. While on the campaign trail, Trump vowed to end the war within 24 hours, which could mean compromises for Ukraine.
However, some experts believe that Trump may take a stronger stance against Russia and provide more support to Ukraine.