Could Biden start World War III? Let’s take a look!
With only two months left in the Oval Office, President Joe Biden has made a bold move. On November 17th, the media announced that he approved Ukraine’s use of long-range missiles, marking a significant shift in America’s support for the European country’s defense. This decision responds to the conflict that began in February 2022 and has drawn strong reactions from across the globe.
The missiles are likely to target North Korean and Russian forces, but not everyone agrees with Biden’s choice. Critics worry it could escalate tensions and possibly drag the U.S. into a broader conflict, including the potential start of World War III. Adding to the debate, President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to scale back support for Ukraine, setting up a sharp contrast in U.S. foreign policy.
What could this decision mean for us and the world? Could it signal a turning point in global security? We spoke with political analysts to explore the possible outcomes. Here’s what you need to know.
Why did Joe Biden allow this?
The weaponry we previously mentioned, known as the Army Tactical Missile Systems, or ATACMS, was a response to Russia’s secret decision to bring North Korean troops into the conflict, according to political analysts. Even though President Volodymyr Zelensky didn’t confirm Biden’s decision, the population is concerned with a potential World War III.
Moreover, the European leader mentioned that the number of missiles used to strike Russians is more important than lifting the restrictions.
According to sources, Mr. Biden started to ease the restrictions imposed on the use of American-supplied weapons on Russian territory after Russia extended the conflict in Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city.
The American leader wanted to help Ukraine in this controversial conflict, so he allowed them to use the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, or HIMARS, which has an impressive range of 50 miles. However, he banned the USA from longer-range ATACMS, which have a range of about 190 miles.
Will World War III become a reality?
The authorities state that one of the main goals of the policy change is to demonstrate to North Koreans that their military forces are weak. They want to convey that North Korea should refrain from sending more troops, even though they do not expect this change to significantly alter the course of the conflict.
Additionally, Mr. Biden could allow the Ukrainians to deploy the missiles elsewhere; however, they would likely use them first against North Korean and Russian forces that pose a threat to Ukrainian forces in Kursk, as analysts say.
Some American officials said they’re terrified that Ukraine’s officials expressed concern that Ukraine’s missile use across the border could provoke President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia to retaliate forcefully against the United States and its coalition partners.
On the other hand, other political analysts mentioned that Mr. Biden’s decisions won’t impact the safety of our country, so it’s less likely to start World War III.
What did Russia say?
Russia has sharply criticized President Biden’s decision to allow Ukraine to use long-range missiles, with Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov calling it “reckless” and “very dangerous.” Moscow argues that this move could escalate the conflict further and increase U.S. involvement in it, a scenario they find deeply concerning.
The criticism highlights Russia’s long-standing warnings regarding Western military support for Ukraine, which they consider provocative. Peskov’s statement underscores concerns that the use of these weapons might lead to direct confrontations or a wider escalation involving NATO countries. This situation continues to strain the already tense relations between the U.S. and Russia.
Furthermore, Mr. Peskov stated that the current administration in Washington clearly “intends to escalate the conflict and provoke it further”.
…Since Biden’s administration will leave the Oval Office in January 2025, will Trump and his team be able to put a stop to this long-lasting conflict? What are your thoughts on this one? Leave a comment below and join the conversation!
What about Russian civilians?
Joe Biden’s decision regarding the usage of the dangerous missile by Ukraine has led to debates and differing opinions among civilians too. Many of them criticized this outcome, saying that Biden’s administration could lead to World War III.
A Russian senior who didn’t want journalists to mention his name said that his country should hit the missiles and the American bases around NATO. Moreover, some civilians expressed concerns that Biden’s policies might escalate the conflict.
There are also remarks regarding President-elect Donald Trump and his political statements. For instance, someone else mentioned they have high hopes for Mr. Trump. They hope he’ll overcome Biden’s decision because “nobody’s interested in fighting in World War III”.
Putin’s nuclear doctrine
Another reason why some political analysts and civilians are concerned with the potential start of World War III is Putin’s nuclear doctrine. Russian officials have repeatedly cautioned that by trying to determine the limits of what a nuclear state might accept, the West is taking dangerous risks.
Any conventional attack on Russia that is supported by a nuclear state might be seen as a joint strike on Russia, according to Putin’s revision of his country’s nuclear doctrine.
Moreover, the Russian leader stated in late October that his defense ministry was preparing several responses in case Ukraine was assisted by the US and its NATO partners in launching long-range Western missile strikes deep into his nation.
If Joe Biden made a mistake, would Donald Trump be able to fix it?
If critics or future policymakers believe that Biden erred in permitting Ukraine to use long-range missiles, Donald Trump may have the opportunity to reverse or alter the U.S. position. However, this will depend on various factors, including how far the policy has progressed by the time he assumes office and the broader geopolitical dynamics.
But as political analysts say, he could adjust military aid policies. The president-elect could restrict or reduce American military support for the country in conflict, including halting further shipments of long-range missiles or limiting their use to specific defensive purposes.
Moreover, this could align with his policy regarding the ongoing conflict, as America won’t be as involved in it as it was under Biden’s administration.
There’s also another theory saying that Donald Trump’s approach might seek to ease tensions with Russia, a position he emphasized during his first mandate. However, not everyone is confident in this plan, considering that Ukraine needs help in the conflict.
Speaking of Donald Trump’s potential involvement, some sources consider a diplomatic realignment, saying that the 47th American president could conduct official tasks between the two countries in conflict.
This approach might involve using reduced military assistance as a negotiation tool, but some critics argue that this approach could endanger Ukraine’s defense capabilities.
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Conclusion
President Biden’s decision to allow Ukraine to use long-range missiles aims to strengthen the country’s defense capabilities. However, the move has raised concerns about potential escalations with Russia and the broader implications for global security.
As geopolitical tensions continue to evolve, the long-term effects on U.S. foreign policy, international relations, and regional stability remain uncertain.
In the coming months, the international community will closely watch how these decisions shape the ongoing conflict and global peace efforts. Until next time, here’s another good post from Light on Politics: 15 Crazy California Laws That Don’t Make Any Sense
