Staff Reports
The saga of missile exchanges between Russia and Ukraine is heating up yet again, with conflicting reports on the nature of the missile activity. Ukrainian military sources claim that Russia launched an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) alongside several other missiles aimed at Dnipro. In a twist of irony, an unnamed Western official quickly jumped in to downplay the situation, asserting that the missile in question was actually of the shorter-range variety. One can’t help but wonder if this official is simply trying to stay in the good graces of the Kremlin.
This missile was supposedly fired from Russia’s Astrahan region, which is over 1,200 miles away from Dnipro. In response, other missiles launched included KH-101 missiles, which boast a range of about 2,100 miles. This brings up the question: why does Ukraine keep having these missile showdowns if they only escalate tensions? With recent events suggesting that each side is trying to out-do the other, this could be a comedy of errors that no one asked for—except maybe Putin, who seems to be relishing the opportunity.
And what’s a good conflict without a little blame to toss around? President Biden’s recent decisions to allow Ukraine to unleash American ATACMS on Russian soil have undoubtedly added fuel to the fire. One has to question whether this back-and-forth escalation is truly in anyone’s best interest, considering Putin has already made his stance clear: if Ukraine gets too aggressive, he could retaliate with nuclear force. The irony of Biden’s actions is rich, reminiscent of a kid on the playground daring another to cross the line, but this time, the stakes include international calamity.
Kyiv Reports Russia Fired an ICBM Into Ukraine. A Western Official Denies It.https://t.co/h0AyCSB31G
— PJ Media (@PJMedia_com) November 21, 2024
Putin is clearly trying to send a message with these missile launches—what that message is remains a subject of speculation. Observers intimate that the Kremlin is preparing the world for a more severe response, especially as reports trickle in about North Korean troops assisting Russia on the battlefield. Interestingly, this situation seems to have contributed to Biden’s shift toward allowing Ukraine to use longer-range U.S. missiles. One can only speculate if he sees this as a courageous stand or a desperate gamble.
As Biden continues to play fast and loose with escalating tensions, many are left to ponder whether he is truly aware of the implications. Will he continue to cross Putin’s red lines with reckless abandon? The historical analogy to the Cuban missile crisis looms large; the stakes are high, and if Biden is miscalculating, it could be disastrous. With no reset button or chance to rewind if things go sideways, the world watches on—perhaps with some trepidation and a chuckle at the absurdity of it all. After all, having a cool head in a heated exchange is about as rare as finding a unicorn in a haystack.
