Russia highlights nuclear capability and expresses animosity towards the West in UN address

    By
    @USLive
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    In a speech at the U.N. General Assembly, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warned against the idea of engaging in a conflict with a nuclear power, alluding to Russia’s nuclear capabilities. Lavrov used the platform to criticize what Russia perceives as Western interference in Ukraine and within the United Nations itself. This comes shortly after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a shift in the country’s nuclear doctrine, generating international concern.
    The conflict in Ukraine, which Russia invaded in February 2022, has been marred by the specter of nuclear threats. Putin had previously emphasized Russia’s status as a potent nuclear state before putting its nuclear forces on high alert. His recent statements regarding the potential use of nuclear weapons in response to conventional attacks have raised alarm bells globally.
    Putin stated that if Russia were attacked by any nation supported by a nuclear-armed state, it would be considered a joint attack. While the Russian President did not explicitly mention a nuclear response, the implications of his words have sparked criticism from the United States and the European Union, who labeled them as “irresponsible.”
    This latest development in Russia’s nuclear posture is widely interpreted as a message to Western powers amidst Ukraine’s efforts to procure approval for using longer-range weapons against Russia. Despite the Biden administration’s recent announcement of additional military aid to Ukraine, it falls short of including the specific long-range arms that Ukraine President Zelenskyy is seeking, nor does it grant permission to utilize such weapons to strike deep into Russia.
    Despite being over two and a half years into the conflict, Russia continues to make incremental gains in eastern Ukraine. Conversely, Ukraine has retaliated by striking Russian territory with missiles and drones while also launching a bold incursion into a border region, leading to Moscow’s embarrassment.