Putin’s Losses Lead to Increased Threats Against the West

In recent weeks, Russia has suffered embarrassing losses of land and infrastructure. As a result of Ukraine’s strikes within its borders.

Russian President Vladimir Putin does not take embarrassment or losses lightly. He and his advisers believed their war effort would go much more smoothly than it has.

On a number of occasions, he has lashed out at the West for its interference in this conflict. He is especially disturbed at the U.S. for weapons and aid it has provided for Ukraine.

Now Putin is so upset about the direction of his war that he’s talking about World War III. And threatening America that the next global war will not be limited to Europe.

Russia Says U.S. Is ‘Asking for Trouble’

Sergei Lavrov has been Putin’s foreign minister for over 20 years. He recently said the West is seeking to escalate the Ukraine war.

And that it is “asking for trouble.” How? By considering Ukraine requests to loosen curbs on using foreign-supplied weapons.

His comments followed a Ukraine attack against Russia’s western Kursk region. It marked the first time since World War II there’s been a foreign attack on Russia.

Ukraine leadership claims no intention of holding onto Russian territory. But there has been talk of striking deep into Russia with Western missiles.

WW3 Won’t Be Confined to Europe

Putin states he does not want a conflict with the U.S.-led NATO alliance. But Lavrov’s remarks indicate that continued U.S. support for Ukraine could lead to that scenario.

“We are now confirming once again that playing with fire – and they are like small children playing with matches – is a very dangerous thing for grown-up uncles and aunts who are entrusted with nuclear weapons in one or another Western country.”

“Americans unequivocally associate conversation about Third World War as something that, God forbid, if it happens, will affect Europe exclusively,” he continued.

The implication is clear. A third world war would spill over to other continents. Including North America.

Russia’s ‘Nuclear Doctrine’ Is Unrestrained

Not surprisingly, the topic of nuclear weapons has raised its ugly head again. Lavrov said Russia was “clarifying” its nuclear doctrine.

The country announced a nuclear doctrine in 2020. It states it would consider using nuclear weapons as a response to a nuclear attack.

Or to an attack using other weapons of mass destruction. Or even conventional weapons. In other words, Russia would use nukes whenever it wants to. The key would be “when the very existence of the state is put under threat.”

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is urging allies to help more. By allowing use of their weapons to strike Russian military targets further inside Russia. So far, that permission has not been granted.

U.S. Denies Pre-Knowledge of Ukraine Attack

But Ukraine did use Western weaponry in its recent attack in Kursk. Including British tanks and U.S. rocket systems.

The U.S. denied advance knowledge of the attack. And stated it did not take part in it.

Sergei Naryshkin is Putin’s foreign intelligence chief. He said Moscow does not believe those assertions.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov took it one step further. He said America’s involvement in the incursion was “an obvious fact.”

America ‘Simply Supporting a Democracy Nation’

The New York Times reported that the U.S. and Britain provided Ukraine with satellite imagery. And other information about the Kursk region. But only after the attack. And only to keep Ukraine informed about potential Russian reinforcements.

Major General Patrick Ryder is the Pentagon Press Secretary. Here’s what he said.

“You’ve heard us say that the Ukrainians can use U.S. security assistance to defend themselves from cross-border attacks. In other words, counterfire.

“But as it relates to long-range strike, deep strikes into Russia, our policy has not changed. We’re not seeking conflict with Russia. We are simply supporting a democracy nation who was invaded 2½ years ago. And enabling them to protect themselves.”  

We Can’t Stop War. But We Can Be Prepared.

Of course, Putin isn’t the only leader threatening to use nuclear weapons. North Korean supreme leader Kim Jong Un has been doing this on a regular basis the past few years.

And Iranian leader Ali Khamenei would love to acquire a nuclear weapon. To threaten Israel and the U.S.

But Putin’s lack of success against Ukraine has him saber rattling again. In February he said this. “(Western nations) must realize that we also have weapons that can hit targets on their territory.

“All this really threatens a conflict with the use of nuclear weapons. And the destruction of civilization. Don’t they get that?

“Strategic nuclear forces are in a state of full readiness,” he added. Putin suggested Western politicians recall the fate of those who previously invaded Russia. Including Adolf Hitler and Napoleon Bonaparte.

Our world keeps getting scarier. We can’t alter that fact. But here’s what we can do. Protect ourselves through preparedness. And bolster those preparations as often as possible.