Obama Administration's Decision Sparks Fresh Concerns: World War III Risk Escalates

A senior Russian lawmaker, Maria Butina, has warned that the Biden administration's decision to allow Ukraine to use US-made weapons to strike deep into Russia is "seriously risking the start of World War Three". The move, according to reports by Reuters and The New York Times, may lead to a significant escalation of tensions between Russia and Ukraine.

Ms. Butina, a member of the ruling United Russia party, expressed concerns that Washington's decision would have devastating consequences for both Russia and Ukraine. According to Ms. Butina, "these guys [Biden's administration] is trying to escalate the situation to the maximum while they still have power and are still in office".

Russia has been critical of the Biden administration's decision, with Andrei Klishas, a senior member of the Federation Council, warning that it could "end with the Ukrainian statehood in complete ruins by morning". Vladimir Dzhabarov, first deputy head of the Russian upper house's international affairs committee, described Moscow's response as an "immediate and toughest" measure.

The Kremlin has yet to comment on the reports. However, President Vladimir Putin had previously warned of a possible nuclear response if Russia came under direct attack from the West. The decision by Washington to allow Ukraine to use US-made missiles could indeed lead to such a situation.

In October 2022, Mr. Putin stated that Russia's defense ministry was working on diverse ways to respond if the United States and its NATO allies help Ukraine to strike deep into Russian soil with long-range Western missiles.

"Strikes with US missiles deep into Russian regions will inevitably entail a serious escalation, which threatens to lead to much more serious consequences," Leonid Slutsky, chairman of the State Duma lower house's foreign affairs committee, warned.

The US authorization of strikes by Kyiv on Russia using US ATACMS tactical missiles has sent shockwaves through Moscow. The Biden administration's decision is expected to have far-reaching and potentially devastating consequences for global security.

Mr. Butina, who spent 15 months in US prison for acting as an unregistered Russian agent, expressed hope that former President Donald Trump may be able to reverse the administration's decision if he were in power now.

The international community must carefully monitor this situation to prevent a catastrophe of epic proportions.