The Kremlin has explicitly accused the United States of being responsible for an attack on Crimea by Ukrainian forces, using ATACMS missiles supplied by the US. The attack resulted in the deaths of at least four individuals, including two children, and left 151 others injured. This accusation, while not the first, represents a significant escalation in the conflict. Russian officials have stated that the conflict in Ukraine is now entering its most dangerous phase, with President Vladimir Putin repeatedly cautioning about the potential for a broader war involving major nuclear powers.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, in a press briefing, stated, “We perfectly understand who is behind this,” adding that it was clear who supplied the weapons, aimed them, and provided the data for their use. “Everything is absolutely clear here. As representatives of the media, you should ask my colleagues in Europe, and above all in Washington, the press secretaries, why their governments are killing Russian children. Just ask them this question.”
The Russian Defence Ministry had previously stated on Sunday that the United States was responsible for the attack on the city of Sevastopol. Footage broadcast on Russian state television depicted scenes of people running from a beach and others being carried off on sun loungers.
Asked about Russia’s potential response, Peskov recalled Putin’s words from June 6, when the Russian President stated he could deploy conventional missiles within striking distance of the United States and its European allies if they allowed Ukraine to strike deeper into Russia with long-range Western weapons. “Of course, the involvement of the United States in the fighting, as a result of which peaceful Russians are dying, cannot but have consequences,” Peskov said. “Which ones exactly – time will tell.”
Amidst these escalating tensions, Russia, recognized as the world’s largest nuclear power, has initiated updates to its nuclear doctrine, according to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov. This statement refers to an earlier declaration by President Putin. Peskov informed during a briefing on Monday that President Putin has directed efforts to update the doctrine in accordance with current circumstances. No further details were provided.
A senior member of the Russian parliament remarked on Sunday that Moscow might shorten the decision-making timeframe outlined in official policy regarding the use of nuclear weapons if perceived threats escalate. In a recent statement, Putin suggested potential amendments to Russia’s established nuclear doctrine, specifying the conditions under which such weaponry could be employed.
The conflict in Ukraine has sparked the most significant standoff between Russia and Western nations since the Cuban missile crisis of 1962. This latest development, with its accusations and pronouncements regarding potential nuclear deployments, adds another layer of complexity and concern to the already volatile situation.
