**Ukraine-Russia War: Stakes Get Higher**
The conflict between Ukraine and Russia has reached a critical point. This week marked the 1000th day of fighting, and Western powers have given Ukraine more military help.
**West Boosts Ukraine’s Military**
On Sunday night, US President Joe Biden allowed Ukraine to use long-range missiles to hit targets inside Russia. This was a big change in policy. Ukraine fired these missiles into Russia’s Bryansk region. The Kremlin said five of the six missiles were intercepted.
The UK also gave Ukraine new missiles called Storm Shadow. These missiles were used to target areas in Russia’s Kursk region, where Ukrainian troops have taken control of some land.
Biden then approved the use of anti-personnel landmines for Ukraine. Landmines are simple but effective weapons that can slow down an enemy’s advance.
**Russia Raises Nuclear Stakes**
If Ukraine’s allies increased their support this week, Russia did too. On Tuesday, President Putin changed Russia’s nuclear doctrine to make it easier to use nuclear weapons. He said that if a non-nuclear country attacks Russia with help from a nuclear power, it will be treated as a joint attack on Russia.
Russia then used a new type of missile called “Oreshnik” to hit the Ukrainian city of Dnipro. Putin claimed this missile is very fast and can’t be stopped. Many think he was warning that Russia could use a nuclear weapon if needed.
**Global Conflict Looms**
In a televised address, Putin said the war has become a global issue. The US and UK are now more involved than ever. North Korean troops have been sent to fight alongside Russia, making another nuclear power part of the conflict.
Russian President-elect Donald Trump will take office on January 20th. He promised to end the war within 24 hours if he becomes president. Some people think this could mean Ukraine giving up some land to Russia.