NATO pulled into war?

Ava Cai

September 13, 2024

Tensions are intensifying between Ukraine and Russia, and President Vladimir Putin escalated the rhetoric on Thursday by threatening to engage in war with NATO if the Western powers allow Ukraine to deploy weapons closer to the heart of Russia. This statement was broadcast only a day before Prime Minister Keir Starmer of Britain was scheduled to talk with President Joe Biden about easing restrictions on Kyiv’s usage of long-range weapons provided by the West. At the same time, London and Moscow were at odds over the dismissal of six diplomats who were accused of spying by the Russian officials. 

Throughout the progression of the war, Ukraine’s Western allies have manufactured and provided Kyiv with tanks, fighter jets, and long-range missiles. Roughly $55.7 billion was spent by the U.S. alone on military assistance for Ukraine to continue its resistance against Russia. Despite Russia’s public disapproval, President Putin has not yet ordered his forces to engage outside of Ukraine’s borders. However, his comments to a television reporter on Thursday were his most direct remarks regarding NATO thus far in the conflict. Addressing the issue to propagandist Pavel Zarubin on the same day, Putin answered that the problem isn’t whether or not Ukraine is allowed to launch long-range strikes into Russia, but rather whether NATO is stepping too boldly into the conflict itself.

Countering Putin’s comments, President Biden and Prime Minister Starmer echoed their firm alliance during their talks on Friday. Biden claimed, “I’ve often said there’s no issue of global consequence where the United States and the U.K. can’t work together. It’s clear that Putin will not prevail in this war. The people of Ukraine will prevail.” Aside from reaffirming their strengthened alliance and promise of cooperation, both leaders also reflected the concern about North Korea and Iran’s supply of military weapons to back up Russia; the Pentagon highlighted Iran’s transport of ballistic missiles to Russia as a justification to strengthen Ukraine’s military aid. 

Since the first full-scale invasion in February 2022, Russian propaganda has painted the picture of the war as a conflict with NATO and other Western powers instead of just a clash with Ukraine. Although Moscow’s future intentions towards NATO remain unclear, President Putin did mention that he can target Western powers through other allies of Russia. 

Important decisions are left for the countries' leaders to discuss, and the pressure is on for some actions that may lead to NATO’s direct involvement in the conflict. If involvement does become the case, the allies will make appropriate decisions to respond to the future threats raised.