A Week That Raised the Stakes in the Ukraine War

KYIV, Ukraine — The past week marked a significant turning point in the Ukraine conflict, with escalations that have introduced new uncertainties and heightened fears of a broader confrontation. From policy shifts in Washington to experimental missile tests by Moscow, the nearly three-year-long war has entered a more precarious phase.

Here’s a breakdown of the key events from a week that redefined the conflict:

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A Week That Raised the Stakes in the Ukraine War

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SUNDAY: U.S. Authorizes Ukraine to Strike with Long-Range Missiles
In a reversal of its previous stance, the U.S. approved Ukraine’s use of American-made Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) to target Russian territory. The decision, made after prolonged hesitation over fears of escalation, came amid reports of North Korean troops assisting Russian forces in the Kursk region. The full scope of the new guidelines remains unclear.

MONDAY: Russia Issues a Stern Warning on Western Arms
The Kremlin responded to the U.S. policy shift by warning of heightened global tensions. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov criticized Washington for “adding fuel to the fire,” accusing the U.S. of provoking further escalation in the conflict.

TUESDAY: Ukraine Fires ATACMS into Russian Territory; Putin Changes Nuclear Policy
For the first time, Ukraine used the newly approved long-range missiles, reportedly striking an ammunition depot in Russia’s Bryansk region. Although Kyiv has not officially confirmed the strikes, they occurred on the war’s 1,000th day.

On the same day, Russian President Vladimir Putin formally lowered the threshold for deploying nuclear weapons, signaling that Moscow might respond to conventional attacks backed by nuclear powers with its nuclear arsenal. This shift has alarmed global leaders, as it could encompass strikes by Ukraine supported by the U.S.

WEDNESDAY: U.S. to Supply Ukraine with Anti-Personnel Mines
In another policy shift, the Biden administration agreed to provide Ukraine with anti-personnel mines, aiming to slow Russian advances. The decision followed months of resistance due to international concerns over civilian risks.

Ukraine also deployed British Storm Shadow missiles, escalating tensions with Moscow. Meanwhile, Western embassies in Kyiv temporarily closed, citing threats of an imminent large-scale aerial attack on the capital.

THURSDAY: Russia Deploys Experimental Ballistic Missile
Moscow unveiled and used a new intermediate-range ballistic missile, described by President Putin as unstoppable by U.S. air defenses. Dubbed the “Oreshnik” (Russian for hazelnut tree), the missile reportedly struck a weapons facility in Dnipro, central Ukraine.

Putin warned the missile could target any country aiding Ukrainian strikes on Russian territory. Ahead of the attack, Moscow issued a 30-minute warning to Washington.

FRIDAY: NATO Calls Emergency Talks; Ukrainian Parliament Suspends Session
NATO announced an emergency meeting, requested by Ukraine, to address the evolving conflict. The meeting, set for Tuesday, will involve representatives at the ambassadorial level.

Ukraine’s parliament canceled a session amid heightened security in Kyiv, following credible threats against government buildings.

International leaders weighed in on the escalation. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk described the developments as a “decisive phase” for the war, signaling an increasingly dramatic and dangerous dimension to the conflict.