Ukraine urgently needs soldiers, but some men are desperate not to fight
NBCMay 16
Putin Warns Against Western Missiles Striking Inside Russian Territory
Above: Russian President Vladimir Putin gestures during Russian-Uzbek talks at the Kuksaroy Presidential Residence on May 27, 2024 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Image copyright: Contributor/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
Amid growing momentum for allowing Ukraine to use Western weaponry to strike targets inside Russian territory, Russian Pres. Vladimir Putin warned that EU and NATO countries were playing fire, stating that such a move would lead to a global conflict with "serious consequences."
Following lobbying from Ukraine, Britain's foreign secretary, Lord David Cameron, was the first to give his backing for the idea. During a visit to Kyiv early in the month, he said it was up to Ukraine how it used British weapons, but said it had the "right" to strike in Russian territory, just as Russian missiles were striking in Ukraine.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
By making thinly veiled references to Russia's nuclear weapons, Putin hopes to continue deterring Ukraine's allies from allowing strikes on Russian territory, knowing that this would change how effectively Ukraine is able to defend itself. In reality, the threat of this sort of escalation is minimal and would make a big difference to Ukraine's war effort.
Pro-Russia narrative
With the West continuing to escalate the conflict by making these reckless declarations, it continues to validate why Russia must stay true to course and achieve the objectives of its Special Military Operation in Ukraine. Russia will not tolerate threats to its territory and such threats will be eliminated.