Day 333: Moscow Warns of ‘Global Tragedy’ if West Escalates Conflict

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Image copyright: AFP [via VOX]

The Facts

  • On Sunday, the head of Russia's lower house of parliament Vyacheslav Volodin warned the US, as well as NATO countries, that Moscow would retaliate with "more powerful weapons" if the West continues to arm Kyiv. Volodin warned western leaders that, taking into consideration what he considered to be the technological superiority of Russian weapons, "this could end up being a global tragedy that would destroy their countries."

  • The comments come as Germany continues to face growing pressure to send its Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine or approve their transfer to Ukraine by other nations. James Cleverly, Britain's Foreign Minister, has weighed in on the issue, saying he wants Germany to send the vehicles. Lativa, Estonia and Lithuania's foreign ministers have jointly urged Berlin to provide the tanks to, "restore peace in Europe quickly."

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The Spin

Narrative A

Making sure Ukraine remains well-armed is the only way to fend off Putin and Russia in this unprovoked war of aggression. The US and NATO must not simply offer their latest and most hi-tech weapons. Combat is about supply lines, and the West must ensure basic equipment and ammunition are kept flowing as needed.

Atlantic

Narrative B

Multi-billion dollar weapons packages will make little difference in the war's outcome. The US has been meddling in Ukraine since the end of the Cold War, and what we're witnessing is a geopolitical Ponzi scheme to benefit those aligned with the military-industrial complex. War is a lucrative racket.

AntiWar

Metaculus Prediction