I joined India’s WION on Friday to analyze Vladimir Putin’s latest bluff in his 27-month invasion of Ukraine: a threat to attack the UK if British weapons are used in Ukrainian strikes inside Russia.
I explain why the Kremlin is posing, given that any strike on a UK target would bring NATO into a direct war with Moscow.
See also EA on Australia’s ABC: Awaiting Aid, Ukraine Hangs On v. Russia Assault
So why issue the bluff? It betrays Russia’s concern: Ukraine’s use of British and French long-range missiles is causing serious damage to the Russian military and economy beyond the frontlines — and it will get worse if the US lifts its ban on the use of ATACMS missile systems on Russian territory.
Watch from 2:24:
“I explain why the Kremlin is posing, given that any strike on a UK target would bring NATO into a direct war with Moscow.”
*********
That may be what some in NATO are trying to do. Question: What if Putin takes the bait? NATO continues to cross its own red lines, with the F-16 jets being the most recent red line that has been crossed. The Russians voiced concern about the F-16’s ability to carry a nuclear weapon. Russia will be able to pick up F-16 jets on radar, but they won’t know if any are carrying nuclear weapons. And Russia is conducting tactical nuclear weapons drills near its border with Ukraine. The tactical nuclear weapons drills are significant. Question:
Would NATO equip an F-16 with a nuclear weapon, use it in Ukraine, and frame Russia?
There’s a history of hotheads in the West who tried to spark a war with Moscow. General Curtis LeMay sent RB-45 aircraft deep into Soviet airspace without President Truman’s knowledge. Those were dangerous missions. The Soviets knew that the 45-series plane was capable of carrying a nuclear weapon. Question: What does President Biden know and what doesn’t he know?