Potential Escalation in Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Erdogan Expresses Concern
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan recently expressed his concern over an escalating conflict between Russia and Ukraine. This comes after the United States authorized Ukraine’s use of US long-range missiles to strike within Russian territory, a decision Erdogan called a “big mistake.”
Erdogan’s Warnings
Erdogan has voiced his apprehension that this move by the US could lead to a stronger reaction from Russia and possibly escalate the conflict. He warned that this could push the region and potentially the world to the brink of another major war. Despite this, he expressed hope that both Moscow and Kiev would not succumb to provocations.
US Authorization of Missiles and Russia’s Response
Reports from The New York Times suggest that the Biden administration has given Ukraine permission to use American ATACMS missiles to strike specific targets within Russia. Moscow has responded by promising an “appropriate” retaliation to any attack on its territory by Ukraine using American missiles. They have stated that this marks a “new stage” in the ongoing conflict with Kiev.
Putin’s Decree on Nuclear Weapons
In response to these escalating tensions, Russian President Vladimir Putin recently signed a decree expanding the options for using nuclear weapons. This development occurred shortly after the US authorized Ukraine to use American-made long-range ATACMS missiles to strike deep into Russian territory. Putin has previously warned that any attack by a non-nuclear country backed by a nuclear-armed power could be considered “joint” aggression and could necessitate the use of nuclear weapons.
The Escalation of Conflict: A Global Concern
These developments highlight the precarious situation between Russia and Ukraine, and the potential for escalation has sparked concern worldwide. As the situation continues to evolve, the global community watches closely, hoping for a peaceful resolution.