The missile in question, the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS), can travel up to 300 kilometres, raising alarms about the increasing proximity of nuclear threats. In a significant shift, On Tuesday, which marked 1,000 days since the conflict began, Ukraine fired six ATACMS missiles into Russia, which claimed it shot down five of them.
Fears of warmongering heightened after Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday lowered the threshold for using nuclear weapons, a move seen as a direct response to Ukraine’s missile strikes on Russian territory. This change in doctrine indicates that Russia may consider any conventional attack supported by a nuclear power as a direct threat, potentially justifying a nuclear response.
Canada said it will continue to back Russia.
When Putin brutally invaded Ukraine one thousand days ago, he thought Ukraine would surrender. Instead, he was met with the stunning resistance of the Ukrainian people.
Canada has proudly stood with Ukraine from day one — and we will be there until victory. pic.twitter.com/S38V2iyH65— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) November 19, 2024
Sweden and Norway have taken proactive steps in light of these tensions. Sweden issued a rare pamphlet advising its citizens to find “shelter” and prepare for emergencies, while Norway has recommended stockpiling essential supplies. Danish authorities have also reached out to citizens, urging them to gather enough food, water, and medicine for three days in case of a nuclear emergency.
Also read: 24 hours in Ukraine: A single day shows the reality of life as war hits 1,000 days
The situation has prompted various NATO nations to enhance their crisis preparation strategies. Finland, which joined NATO last year, has updated its online crisis preparedness guide, reflecting the heightened urgency. The guides provide detailed instructions for various scenarios, emphasizing self-protection measures. Finns are advised to consider survival in harsh winter conditions, while Swedes are instructed to stock up on food items like potatoes and cabbage, alongside essential supplies for nuclear threats.
In a dramatic turn of events, Ukraine launched the six missiles at Russia’s Bryansk region. This escalation has intensified NATO’s concerns, especially as Finland’s long border with Russia heightens its vulnerability. The new nuclear doctrine signed by Putin outlines conditions under which Russia might respond with nuclear weapons, including scenarios involving attacks on Belarus, Russia’s ally.
The Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB) has released an updated version of its nuclear war survival guide titled “If Crisis or War Comes.” This booklet aims to prepare citizens for various emergencies, including nuclear threats, natural disasters, and cyberattacks. Swedish Minister for Civil Defence Carl-Oskar Bohlin emphasised the guide’s importance, stating that it provides clear instructions for millions of Swedes on how to stay safe during a potential nuclear attack.
The escalating conflict has also sparked concerns in the US. Donald Trump Jr, the eldest son of President-Elect Donald Trump, criticised Biden’s actions, suggesting they could lead to World War III before his father could promote peace. Trump, whose campaign promises included ending the conflict in 24 hours, called for an immediate ceasefire.
I am hereby calling on Putin and Zelensky to meet with me and get this terrible war between Russia and Ukraine solved. We have never been closer to a nuclear WWIII than we are right now. We must stop the killing and prevent World War III.
NO WORLD WAR 3pic.twitter.com/C5rYzYidAb
— Donald J. Trump News (@_IDonaldTrump) November 18, 2024
This sentiment reflects a broader unease among some Americans regarding increased military involvement in the conflict.
— With inputs from agencies
