Russia says Kyiv has once again sent drones across its borders, targeting regions close to Ukraine. These attacks, landing in the shadow of Vladimir Putin’s recent nuclear saber-rattling, raise more than just military tension… they stretch the boundaries of war rhetoric. Putin had just made waves with his bold remarks—hinting that Russia might shift its nuclear stance. He suggested Moscow could respond with nuclear weapons if missiles or drones cross their borders in significant numbers.
Ukraine, often without taking direct credit, has escalated its drone strikes on Russian military assets, seemingly intent on hobbling Moscow’s war efforts. Wednesday night saw a flurry of activity… drones were downed in several regions— Belgorod, Kursk, and Bryansk. Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed success in intercepting seven drones, while Oryol’s governor, Andrei Klychkov, mentioned another drone shot down. Yet, specifics were hard to come by… details remain elusive.
Putin unveiled the updated Russian nuclear doctrine in hopes of scaring the West.
The aging thug even threatened to use nukes if there’s a massive ‘aerospace vehicle attack’ (including a drone attack) on Russia.
Somebody should tell ole shrimpie how well Russia’s last Sarmat… pic.twitter.com/DDbLlqvT70
— Natalka (@NatalkaKyiv) September 25, 2024
Ukraine hasn’t stayed silent either. Their infrastructure continues to suffer under Russia’s relentless drone attacks. In Kyiv, authorities reported a damaged gas pipeline in a residential building, debris scattered after air defenses intercepted drones. The skies over Ukraine’s capital lit up as 15 drones were spotted… 10 were successfully brought down, but not before alarm bells rang through the night. Kyiv’s residents endured five hours of fear, explosions echoing through the city and the surrounding oblast.
Meanwhile, Putin’s nuclear rhetoric has set off a storm of speculation. The world wonders—what is Moscow really planning? The Kremlin has always kept its nuclear options on the table, stating that it reserves the right to use such weapons if Russia or Belarus faces a dire threat. Now, though, Putin’s suggestion hints at something more aggressive. It’s no longer just about responding to an attack— it is about the mere act of seeing missiles or drones breach their state border. This kind of pre-emptive posture is worrying… a dangerous escalation.
#Gravitas | Russia-Ukraine aerial war intensifies as both strike each other’s command posts, military equipment and personnel.
While Kyiv’s drone attack on Russia triggered earthquake-sized blast, Moscow focuses strikes on Ukraine’s energy and power grid.@mollygambhir has more pic.twitter.com/hmKHUtn9th
— WION (@WIONews) September 20, 2024
At a Security Council meeting, Putin made it clear: any assault, even by a non-nuclear state, could be seen as a joint attack if a nuclear power is involved. But in Kyiv, officials aren’t buying into this intimidation. Andriy Yermak, from Ukraine’s presidential office, called it “nuclear blackmail.” Moscow’s scare tactics, he said, wouldn’t sway Ukraine or the world
Major Points
- Ukraine escalates drone strikes, targeting Russian regions like Belgorod, Kursk, and Bryansk, while Russia claims success in downing multiple drones.
- Putin hints at a shift in Russia’s nuclear stance, suggesting pre-emptive action if missiles or drones cross Russia’s borders in significant numbers.
- Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, endured a tense night as air defenses intercepted 10 out of 15 drones, with debris damaging residential infrastructure.
- Putin’s nuclear rhetoric raises global concerns, as he implies any breach of Russian borders could prompt a nuclear response.
- Ukraine’s presidential office dismisses Putin’s threats as “nuclear blackmail,” vowing not to be intimidated by Moscow’s scare tactics.
Al Santana – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News