putin scares everyone with “Oreshnik” again, and the UN Security Council is debating again
28 November 2024 13:51
The day before, at an emergency meeting convened at the request of Ukraine, the UN Security Council considered the use of a medium-range ballistic missile by Russia to shell Dnipro on November 21. This was reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.
This discussion almost coincided in time with another massive missile attack on Ukraine, as well as Putin’s latest attempts to intimidate Ukrainians and the world with the Oreshnik. They can also be perceived as Russia’s response to the concerns of the international community.
Today, we recall that the Russian dictator said that the Russian General Staff and the Ministry of Defense are allegedly selecting targets in Ukraine, and these could be “decision-making centers.” He also threatened that “in case of massive use of Oreshnik missiles, the power of the strike will be comparable to the use of nuclear weapons.”
The discussion in the UN Security Council, as expected, showed the principled position of the overwhelming majority of the Security Council members, who qualified such actions as new elements of the expansion of the war that Russia is resorting to. A number of countries even condemned Russia’s irresponsible threats with nuclear weapons.
Ukraine’s partner states also strongly condemned the involvement of DPRK troops in hostilities against Ukraine on the side of Russia, qualifying such actions as the “internationalization” of the conflict, which is a threat to regional and international peace and security.
Russia has once again confirmed that it uses its presence in the Security Council exclusively to spread fakes, counter-accusations and threats, not only against Ukraine but also against other UN member states.
In this regard, Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the UN Sergiy Kyslytsya urged not to give in to intimidation and nuclear blackmail by Russia, as it is weakness and the desire to appease the aggressor that provoke Putin to raise the degree of tension. He emphasized that the response to Russia’s threats and expansion of the war should be tougher sanctions and increased military assistance to Ukraine.
The Foreign Ministry assured that Ukraine will continue to use the UN instruments, in particular the Security Council, as part of its efforts to achieve a comprehensive, just and sustainable peace based on the principles of the UN Charter.
How US Intelligence Assesses Russia’s Threats
The possibility of nuclear escalation is assessed as low by US intelligence, Reuters reports. It is emphasized that despite Putin’s rhetoric and changes in Russia’s nuclear doctrine, Moscow is not inclined to use nuclear weapons due to the lack of a clear military advantage.
US intelligence sees the nuclear option as a last resort, preceded by other means of influence, including sabotage and attacks on critical infrastructure.
