Kremlin Warns of Imminent WW3 as West Escalates Ukraine Conflict
Russia has issued its starkest warning yet, suggesting that a “collision between nuclear powers” is increasingly likely. Citing Western military aid to Ukraine, Kremlin officials and President Vladimir Putin have ramped up threats of retaliation as tensions in the nearly three-year conflict continue to rise.
Andrey Kelin, Russia’s ambassador to the UK, accused Britain, the U.S., and France of crossing a dangerous line by supporting Ukraine’s use of long-range missiles to strike Russian territory. He warned that such actions “can lead to a collision between the nuclear powers.”
Hypersonic Missiles: Russia’s New Arsenal
In a chilling development, Putin announced the mass production of Russia’s new hypersonic missile, the “Oreshnik.” Capable of reaching speeds of Mach 10—ten times the speed of sound—this experimental weapon has already been used in combat, striking the Ukrainian city of Dnipro earlier this week.
“There is no countermeasure to such a missile, no means of intercepting it, in the world today,” Putin declared. He further claimed that while other nations are working on similar technology, “we have this system now.”
The Oreshnik, while not officially classified as an intercontinental missile, carries the destructive capability of nuclear weapons when used in large numbers with conventional warheads. Putin praised its power as a “faithful guarantee of Russia’s territorial integrity.”
Updated Nuclear Doctrine Raises Global Alarm
Amid the escalating conflict, Russia has updated its nuclear doctrine, outlining scenarios under which its devastating arsenal could be deployed. This includes retaliation against conventional attacks supported by nuclear-armed nations.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov framed the changes as “responsible,” insisting Russia is making “maximum effort” to avoid nuclear war. However, Western analysts view the updates as a clear signal of Moscow’s willingness to escalate further.
Ukraine Strikes Back
Ukraine has intensified its counteroffensive, reportedly using Western-supplied ATACMS and British Storm Shadow missiles to target Russian facilities. The Pentagon has backed these actions, calling Russian and North Korean troops within Russia “fair targets.”
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky urged Western allies for advanced air defense systems following the Oreshnik strike on Dnipro. “These are the systems that can save lives from new risks,” Zelensky said, appealing to NATO ahead of emergency talks next week.
Global Repercussions
The conflict is drawing in new players, with Ukraine now battling North Korean weapons and Iranian-made drones alongside Russian forces. Former Ukrainian military commander Valeriy Zaluzhny warned that the situation increasingly resembles the onset of a global war.
“In 2024, we can absolutely consider that the Third World War has begun,” Zaluzhny said, citing the involvement of multiple nations and advanced weaponry.
Western Responses and Fears
Western leaders, including the Pentagon and NATO, are balancing their support for Ukraine with growing concerns over direct confrontation with Russia. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán echoed these fears, suggesting that American personnel may already be involved in guiding advanced weapons used in Ukraine.
Orbán also cautioned against dismissing Moscow’s threats as mere bluster. “This is not a trick—there will be consequences,” he said, referencing Russia’s updated nuclear policies.
A Dangerous Path Ahead
As the war escalates, Putin’s threats against NATO countries supplying Ukraine with weapons underscore the fragile line between deterrence and disaster. The Kremlin has openly stated that it reserves the right to strike military targets in these nations, further raising the stakes in an already volatile situation.
With NATO emergency talks looming and Russia advancing its hypersonic missile program, the world faces the gravest threat of global conflict since the Cold War. The question now is whether diplomacy can halt the slide toward catastrophe—or if the first shots of World War III have already been fired.