Russia’s Escalation and the Risk of General War
Dr Rob Johnson, Oxford University
The Russian strike with an intermediate range multiple warhead missile against Ukraine and the Russian ambassador’s statement are part of a pattern of intimidation and deterrence designed to prevent Western support to Ukraine. They also indicate the level of anxiety and anger in the Russian leadership about the decision by President Biden to permit the use of long range weapons by Ukraine that can strike into Russia.
The seriousness of the situation should not be dismissed. Russia has stated that the British and Americans, in their view, are ‘directly involved’ in the defence of Ukraine and by extension making armed attacks on Russia. From a legal point of view this is not the case, but, as a perception, it means that Russia could follow through and make an armed attack on the UK and the US in some form in the very near future. ….
