Biden administration escalates Ukrainian conflict, while Russia seeks responsible approach on nuclear threats Kremlin spokesman says

The administration of US President Joe Biden, who is nearing the end of his term, continues to escalate the situation in the Ukrainian conflict, impeding its resolution, the Kremlin spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, told reporters.

"They continue to pour oil on the fire of this conflict, in every possible way preventing any dynamics on its completion, while naturally using Ukraine as a tool in their hands in their war with Russia," Peskov said, highlighting Moscow's view of the US role in the ongoing war, Caliber.Az reports citing Russian media.

In addition to addressing the Ukraine issue, Peskov also emphasized Russia's commitment to avoiding a nuclear conflict, urging the West to adopt a similarly responsible stance. 

"Russia adopts a responsible stance and seeks to prevent a nuclear conflict, expecting the same approach, free from provocations, from the West," Peskov told a briefing.

“We have emphasized in the context of our nuclear doctrine that Russia takes a responsible position, making every effort to prevent such a conflict,” Peskov commented on the Pentagon's statement regarding the US readiness for a potential exchange of nuclear strikes.

“We expect other countries to adopt the same responsible stance and refrain from engaging in provocative actions,” Peskov noted.

Rear Admiral Thomas Buchanan, a representative of US Strategic Command (STRATCOM), recently stated that while the United States does not seek an exchange of nuclear strikes, it is prepared for such a scenario "on the most acceptable terms," framing this as part of Washington’s leadership role in the world.

Russian President Vladimir Putin had previously approved an updated nuclear doctrine, which asserts that the use of nuclear weapons is a last resort to protect the country's sovereignty. However, given the rise of new military threats and risks, Russia has clarified the conditions under which nuclear weapons could be used.

The updated doctrine broadens the scope of states and military alliances against which nuclear deterrence may be applied. It also revises the list of military threats that could necessitate a nuclear response. Under the new framework, aggression by any non-nuclear state, if backed by a nuclear country, would be considered a joint attack on Russia.

Additionally, Russia could consider a nuclear response in the event of a critical threat to its sovereignty, even if only conventional weapons are used, or if Belarus, as a member of the Union State, is attacked. A nuclear response could also be triggered by a massive launch of military aircraft, cruise missiles, drones, or other aircraft that cross Russia's border.

By Vafa Guliyeva