In a significant escalation of US support for Ukraine, President Joe Biden has reportedly authorized the provision of antipersonnel landmines to bolster Kyiv’s defenses against advancing Russian troops. The move comes as Russia’s President Vladimir Putin formally lowered the threshold for Moscow’s use of nuclear weapons, heightening tensions between the two nuclear powers to levels not seen in decades.
Biden’s Landmine Decision Attracts Criticism
While the decision to provide landmines is likely to enhance Ukraine’s ability to defend against Russian advances, it is also expected to draw criticism from arms control groups. An unnamed official told the Washington Post that Ukraine had committed not to use the mines in densely populated areas, but concerns remain about their long-term impact on civilian populations.
Putin Lowers Nuclear Threshold
Meanwhile, an already angered Putin formally revised Russia’s nuclear doctrine, lowering the threshold for the use of nuclear weapons. The move comes in response to the Biden administration allowing Ukraine to use US-supplied longer-range missiles to strike targets deeper within Russian territory. A Kremlin spokesperson said the hotline created to deflate crises between Moscow and Washington after the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis was not being used, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
If they cut [US funding], we will – I think we will lose. We will fight. We have our production, but it’s not enough to prevail. And I think it’s not enough to survive.
– Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy
North Korean Troops Fighting for Russia
In another worrying development, a South Korean lawmaker revealed that North Korean troops have participated in some battles as part of Russia’s airborne and marine units. Park Sun-won, citing his country’s spy agency, said that Pyongyang has also shipped additional arms, including mechanized howitzers and rocket launchers, to Russia. The exact number of North Korean troop casualties remains unknown.
Zelenskyy Warns of Defeat if US Cuts Funding
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned in an interview with Fox News that his country “will lose” its war against Russia if the US cuts military funding to Kyiv. The statement comes as US President-elect Donald Trump, a vocal skeptic of the billions provided to Ukraine by the Biden administration, prepares to take office. Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of unity between Ukraine and the US, suggesting that Trump could influence Putin to end the war due to his perceived strength.
Ukraine Fires US-Made Long-Range Missiles into Russia
For the first time since the Biden administration lifted restrictions on their use, Ukraine fired US-made long-range missiles into Russia, apparently targeting an ammunition warehouse. Russia’s defense ministry claimed that five of the six missiles were shot down, with debris causing a fire at an unnamed military facility. The attack drew condemnation from Russian officials, with Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accusing the West of wanting to escalate the conflict.
Grim Milestone: 1,000 Days of War
The developments come as the Russia-Ukraine war crossed the grim milestone of 1,000 days since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk marked the occasion by saying it has been “1,000 days too many of senseless pain and suffering.” According to the OHCHR, at least 12,162 civilians, including 659 children, have been killed, with another 26,919 injured.
Denmark’s Long-Term Support for Ukraine’s Arms Industry
In a show of continued support, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen announced a new donation of about €130 million for the development of Ukraine’s arms industry. “And make no mistake, our support is long-term,” she emphasized. President Zelenskyy praised the “special model” created by Ukraine and Denmark to attract investments from other countries.
As the war enters its 1,000th day, the international community watches with bated breath as the stakes continue to rise. With the US providing landmines, Russia lowering its nuclear threshold, and warnings of defeat if US funding is cut, the path to peace remains elusive. The resilience of the Ukrainian people and the steadfast support of allies like Denmark offer a glimmer of hope in these dark times, but the road ahead is long and fraught with uncertainty.
Meanwhile, an already angered Putin formally revised Russia’s nuclear doctrine, lowering the threshold for the use of nuclear weapons. The move comes in response to the Biden administration allowing Ukraine to use US-supplied longer-range missiles to strike targets deeper within Russian territory. A Kremlin spokesperson said the hotline created to deflate crises between Moscow and Washington after the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis was not being used, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
If they cut [US funding], we will – I think we will lose. We will fight. We have our production, but it’s not enough to prevail. And I think it’s not enough to survive.
– Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy
North Korean Troops Fighting for Russia
In another worrying development, a South Korean lawmaker revealed that North Korean troops have participated in some battles as part of Russia’s airborne and marine units. Park Sun-won, citing his country’s spy agency, said that Pyongyang has also shipped additional arms, including mechanized howitzers and rocket launchers, to Russia. The exact number of North Korean troop casualties remains unknown.
Zelenskyy Warns of Defeat if US Cuts Funding
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned in an interview with Fox News that his country “will lose” its war against Russia if the US cuts military funding to Kyiv. The statement comes as US President-elect Donald Trump, a vocal skeptic of the billions provided to Ukraine by the Biden administration, prepares to take office. Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of unity between Ukraine and the US, suggesting that Trump could influence Putin to end the war due to his perceived strength.
Ukraine Fires US-Made Long-Range Missiles into Russia
For the first time since the Biden administration lifted restrictions on their use, Ukraine fired US-made long-range missiles into Russia, apparently targeting an ammunition warehouse. Russia’s defense ministry claimed that five of the six missiles were shot down, with debris causing a fire at an unnamed military facility. The attack drew condemnation from Russian officials, with Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accusing the West of wanting to escalate the conflict.
Grim Milestone: 1,000 Days of War
The developments come as the Russia-Ukraine war crossed the grim milestone of 1,000 days since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk marked the occasion by saying it has been “1,000 days too many of senseless pain and suffering.” According to the OHCHR, at least 12,162 civilians, including 659 children, have been killed, with another 26,919 injured.
Denmark’s Long-Term Support for Ukraine’s Arms Industry
In a show of continued support, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen announced a new donation of about €130 million for the development of Ukraine’s arms industry. “And make no mistake, our support is long-term,” she emphasized. President Zelenskyy praised the “special model” created by Ukraine and Denmark to attract investments from other countries.
As the war enters its 1,000th day, the international community watches with bated breath as the stakes continue to rise. With the US providing landmines, Russia lowering its nuclear threshold, and warnings of defeat if US funding is cut, the path to peace remains elusive. The resilience of the Ukrainian people and the steadfast support of allies like Denmark offer a glimmer of hope in these dark times, but the road ahead is long and fraught with uncertainty.
