Russian President Vladimir Putin has made it very clear that western nations supplying long-range weapons is a ‘dangerous step’. Putin stated that his country would respond against western targets. This at a time when a Russian strike in the northern part of Ukraine is losing steam. U.S. President Biden had recently cleared the use of American weapons to hit targets in Russia to reduce pressure on Ukrainian forces defending the northern city of Kharkiv.
In his warning, Putin stated that his country too could provide weapons to forces that are currently fighting the West. France and Russia are currently going head-to- head in Northwest Africa. In April this year, France was forced to remove three diplomats from Burkino Faso, a former colony of the Western European nation.
Putin had stated earlier this year that France is critical of the Kremlin due to its diplomatic losses in Africa. Russia has been using its proxies such as the Wagner Group and now its new avatar ‘Africa Corps’ to undermine the west. Russians have made strong inroads in many Françafrique nations such as Central African Republic, Mali, Mozambique and Madagascar. Many believe that France is providing Ukraine with Mirage-2000 jets in an attempt to get back at Russia.
Although Russia won’t target Western nations or NATO members directly. As a direct attack would trigger Article 5 or the collective defence clause of the alliance’s charter. This would result in a direct military conflict between Russia and NATO. Russia could theoretically provide weapons to Iranian proxies such as the ones in Yemen. The Houthi forces actively fire missiles at western ships, both merchant and warships alike. Both Iran and Russia are heavily sanctioned and will not have too much to lose. The global trade mechanics on the other hand could take a big hit if such an event were to take place.
The North Koreans too have resorted to sabre-rattling and have been increasing tensions in the Northwestern Pacific. After a spell of detente and confidence building, tensions on the Korean peninsula are increasing. This was just months after Korean dictator’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Kim’s actions may not be related to his Russian visit but both nations could act in conjunction in the future.
Dhruv Yadav
