In a move that could fundamentally alter the course of the Russia-Ukraine war, the Biden administration’s decision to supply long-range missiles to Ukraine has raised the stakes to dangerous new levels. These missiles, which could strike deep into Russian territory, have triggered a direct response from the Kremlin, with President Vladimir Putin lowering Russia’s nuclear threshold in response to what he perceives as direct U.S. involvement in the conflict.

This decision to authorize Ukraine’s use of U.S.-supplied long-range ATACMS missiles has brought the world closer to the precipice of a broader war. While the Biden administration argues that these strikes are necessary to bolster Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression, Russia views the U.S. actions as a significant escalation that may force it to change its strategic calculus, particularly with regard to its nuclear arsenal.

Putin’s government has made it abundantly clear that the provision of such weapons marks a “qualitatively new situation” and constitutes direct involvement by NATO and the United States in the war. Kremlin officials, including Dmitry Peskov, have warned that the West is playing with fire, asserting that any attack on Russian soil, aided by a nuclear power, could be perceived as a joint attack on Russia. This shift in rhetoric is more than just a diplomatic warning — it represents a significant shift in Russia’s nuclear posture.

In response to the U.S. move, Russia has revised its nuclear doctrine, indicating that any attack on Russian territory, including those aided by nuclear-capable powers, will be considered grounds for a potential nuclear response. This updated doctrine, signed into law by Putin, marks a stark departure from previous policies, where the use of nuclear weapons was largely confined to retaliation for direct strikes. The new doctrine widens the scope for nuclear retaliation to include conventional attacks on Russia, further raising the likelihood of a catastrophic miscalculation.

The situation has sparked fierce debate in the U.S., particularly among conservative lawmakers and former President Donald Trump’s allies. Many are voicing concerns that Biden’s decision could lead to World War III, a sentiment echoed by Russian officials who have repeatedly warned that the U.S. is risking a nuclear conflict by supplying Ukraine with such advanced weaponry.

The escalation in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, now compounded by nuclear threats, leaves the world on edge. The U.S. risks triggering a dangerous chain reaction that could lead to nuclear retaliation, making every diplomatic step forward increasingly fraught with peril. Biden’s decision to escalate military support for Ukraine may ultimately be seen as a step toward protecting democratic values, but it also brings us closer to a potential nuclear war — a risk that cannot be ignored.