Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – The ongoing conflict in Europe is escalating dramatically, raising concerns about the potential onset of World War III as tensions soar.
This alarming development follows United States President Joe Biden’s decision to permit Ukraine to utilize America’s long-range missiles for strikes on military installations within Russian borders. The war between Ukraine and Russia has persisted for over two years, causing significant geopolitical instability.
According to US officials who requested anonymity, the recent deployment of North Korean troops to bolster Russia’s military efforts is a contributing factor to rising tensions. This information aligns with reports from respected media outlets such as The New York Times and The Washington Post.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been a staunch advocate for US authorization to use the ATACMS (US Army Tactical Missile System) in targeted attacks deep within Russian territory.
Following Biden’s announcement, Zelensky expressed his approval of the granted permission. “Today, there are numerous media reports that we have received permission to take appropriate action,” he stated. “But attacks are not carried out with words. Such things are not announced. The missiles will speak for themselves, for sure,” he emphasized, indicating a strong intention to act decisively.
Russia Responds
In reaction to Biden’s decision, the Kremlin condemned the action, characterizing it as a dangerous escalation of tensions. “It is clear that the outgoing administration in Washington intends to take steps to continue fanning the flames and triggering further escalation,” remarked government spokesman Dmitry Peskov.
Peskov also warned that this marks a significant escalation from the US’s involvement in the ongoing conflict. Previously, Russian President Vladimir Putin had cautioned that any Ukrainian strikes against Russia using long-range missiles would provoke a strong response from Moscow.
“These people in the Biden administration are attempting to escalate the situation to the maximum while they are still in power,” Russian lawmaker Maria Butina stated, highlighting the high stakes involved. “I genuinely hope (Donald) Trump will address these decisions if they are made because they are really risking the start of a Third World War that benefits no one,” she warned.
China’s reaction
Conversely, China has urged all involved parties to de-escalate tensions and seek a peaceful resolution to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. “An early ceasefire and political solution serve the interests of all parties,” noted foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian during a recent briefing.
Furthermore, despite its positioning as a neutral party in the Ukraine conflict, China has maintained strong political and economic ties with Russia, leading NATO member states to label Beijing as a significant supporter of the war. “China always encourages and supports all efforts that promote the peaceful resolution of the crisis,” Lin assured, emphasizing that Beijing has refrained from supplying lethal weapons to either side.
War Preparations
In a notable shift towards military preparedness, Sweden and Finland, historically non-aligned nations, are now preparing their citizens for potential war scenarios. Both countries abandoned their military-neutral stance to join the NATO alliance last year following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Sweden has issued a booklet titled “If Crisis or War Comes,” disseminated through the Swedish Civil Contingencies Board (MSB), providing guidance on emergency preparedness in the event of war or other crises. “The security situation is serious and we all need to strengthen our resilience to face multiple crises and ultimately war,” stated MSB Director Mikael Frisell.
Simultaneously, Finland has launched a new preparedness website and is hosting NATO’s artillery exercises from October 31 until November 28, marking its first large-scale military training since joining the alliance, underscoring the heightened state of readiness among its military forces.
– What are the potential risks of escalating military involvement in Ukraine according to Dr. Li Wei?
**Interview with Dr. Li Wei, International Relations Expert**
**Interviewer:** Good day, Dr. Li. Thank you for joining us to discuss the current state of global tensions, especially regarding the escalating conflict in Europe. Given the recent developments, many are concerned about the possibility of World War III. What’s your perspective on this situation?
**Dr. Li Wei:** Thank you for having me. The situation is indeed alarming. The degeneration of diplomatic relations, particularly with the U.S. permitting Ukraine to use long-range missiles against Russia, is a significant escalation. President Biden’s decision may serve to bolster Ukraine’s defensive capabilities, but it directly provokes Moscow—making it a high-stakes gamble.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the high stakes. How do you interpret Ukrainian President Zelensky’s comments regarding the offensive capabilities granted to them?
**Dr. Li Wei:** Zelensky’s remarks reflect a confident stance. By claiming that “the missiles will speak for themselves,” he indicates Ukraine is prepared to take decisive action. However, such statements also run the risk of escalating the conflict further, as Russia may respond with increased military activity or countermeasures.
**Interviewer:** Russia has had a strong response from the Kremlin, warning that U.S. involvement could escalate the situation further. What does this signal about the current geopolitical landscape?
**Dr. Li Wei:** It signals a dangerous cycle of escalation. Russia perceives U.S. actions as direct threats to its sovereignty and will likely respond in a manner that they see fit to defend their interests. As tensions continue to rise, we risk entering a zone where miscalculations can have catastrophic consequences.
**Interviewer:** How does the involvement of North Korean troops on Russian soil complicate this equation?
**Dr. Li Wei:** The deployment of North Korean troops is troubling. It suggests a potential alliance that can further unify Russia’s military strategy against perceived Western aggression. This complicates the calculus for the U.S. and its allies since it introduces another layer of unpredictability and potential conflict avenues in the region.
**Interviewer:** What should the international community do to prevent further escalation towards a global conflict?
**Dr. Li Wei:** Open channels for dialogue are essential. The international community must prioritize diplomacy and negotiation over military escalation. Moreover, constructive discussions regarding disarmament and conflict resolution could help de-escalate the situation. We must remember that behind every military decision are human lives and the potential for devastating consequences.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Li Wei, for sharing your insights on this critical issue.
**Dr. Li Wei:** Thank you for bringing attention to this vital topic. It’s crucial we engage in informed discussions to promote peace and stability.