Ukraine urgently needs soldiers, but some men are desperate not to fight
NBCJUN 2024
Putin Warns Against Western Missiles Striking Inside Russian Territory
Above: Russian President Vladimir Putin gestures during Russian-Uzbek talks at the Kuksaroy Presidential Residence on May 27, 2024 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Image copyright: Contributor/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
By making thinly veiled references to Russia's nuclear weapons, Putin hopes to continue deterring Ukraine's allies from allowing strikes on Russian territory, knowing that this would change how effectively Ukraine is able to defend itself. In reality, the threat of this sort of escalation is minimal and would make a big difference to Ukraine's war effort.
Pro-Russia narrative
With the West continuing to escalate the conflict by making these reckless declarations, it continues to validate why Russia must stay true to course and achieve the objectives of its Special Military Operation in Ukraine. Russia will not tolerate threats to its territory and such threats will be eliminated.