US permission for Ukraine to fire American weapons deep into Russian territory has not increased the risk of a nuclear attack, which remains unlikely. This was reported yesterday by Reuters, citing five sources close to American intelligence. Russia's launch last week of a new Oreshnik ballistic missile, which analysts said was intended as a warning to Washington and its European allies, did not change that conclusion.
One of the unnamed officials noted that while Washington believes Russia will not seek nuclear escalation, it will try to counter what it sees as escalation by the United States. The deployment of the new missile is part of that effort, the official said. Reuters people said concerns about escalation, including nuclear fears, were exaggerated. However, they emphasize, the overall situation in Ukraine remains dangerous, and nuclear escalation cannot be ruled out.
One of the unnamed officials noted that while Washington believes Russia will not seek nuclear escalation, it will try to counter what it sees as escalation by the United States. The deployment of the new missile is part of that effort, the official said. Reuters people said concerns about escalation, including nuclear fears, were exaggerated. However, they emphasize, the overall situation in Ukraine remains dangerous, and nuclear escalation cannot be ruled out.
