Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday warned that the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict is quickly escalating toward a “global conflict” as various international actors become involved. His statement comes just months before US President-elect Donald Trump assumes office, raising concerns about how US support for Ukraine may shift.
In an effort to reinforce Ukraine’s position, the Biden administration has taken significant steps, including allowing Ukraine to use American long-range missiles and providing nearly $300 million in additional military aid. These actions are seen as efforts to strengthen Kyiv before Trump, who has expressed intentions to end the conflict swiftly, takes office in January 2025.
The most alarming recent development is the deployment of North Korean troops in Russia. Initially, intelligence reports suggested non-combat roles for the North Korean forces, but it soon emerged that they had engaged in combat on the battlefield. The presence of these troops, combined with growing ties between Russia and North Korea, raised concerns in the West about the potential for the conflict to expand beyond the two countries involved. The Pentagon now estimates that up to 100,000 North Korean troops could be deployed, further heightening tensions.
In response to the new development, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for more support from the West, urging greater military assistance. The ongoing war’s evolution was underscored by the increasing fear that a larger global conflict could ensue. Amid these tensions, President Biden authorized Kyiv to use long-range missiles to strike deep into Russian territory, and the UK followed suit by providing Storm-Shadow missiles. Ukraine confirmed its first use of these missiles in Russian territory this week.
Russia retaliated by launching a hypersonic intermediate-range ballistic missile at Ukraine’s Dnipro region, striking a military facility. Putin emphasized that the missile strike was a response to the West’s decision to arm Ukraine with advanced weaponry. The use of such advanced weaponry, including the new Oreshnik hypersonic missile, marked a significant escalation in the conflict. Zelenskyy called for global condemnation, while the US government confirmed that Moscow had informed Washington of the strike in advance.
The recent intensification of the war can be attributed to a combination of factors:
– Russia’s Anger Over Ukraine’s Advances: Moscow has expressed dissatisfaction with Ukraine’s progress in the Kursk region, a key battleground. Russia believes the region is strategically vital, and the presence of North Korean troops there underscores the importance Russia places on controlling it.
– US and Western Involvement: Biden administration’s actions, including the decision to provide advanced military assistance to Ukraine, have inflamed tensions with Russia. Many analysts believe that the US administration sought to secure its support for Ukraine before Trump takes office, given Trump’s favorable stance toward Russia and his claims that he could end the conflict in 24 hours.
The election of Donald Trump has added another layer of uncertainty. Trump’s stated goal of quickly ending the war, along with his tendency to align with Russian interests, has sparked concerns among US officials and NATO allies. Trump’s victory and his administration’s possible shift in policy could dramatically alter the course of the conflict, leaving the West wary of what lies ahead.
As the war continues to escalate, experts remain uncertain about its resolution, with the involvement of global players like North Korea and the shifting US policy complicating efforts to end the conflict. The future of the Russia-Ukraine war remains uncertain, as both sides prepare for further escalation.
