Putin Demonstrates Capacity to Challenge the U.S. in Diverse Arenas Beyond Ukraine

 

President Vladimir V. Putin’s backing of North Korea's military endeavors highlights his ability to exert influence on the U.S. and its NATO allies in unconventional ways beyond the conflict in Ukraine.

Amid tensions rising concerning Ukraine's potential to strike Russian territory, Putin responded by escalating his rhetoric and actions. He orchestrated drills within Russia to simulate the deployment of tactical nuclear weapons, signaling a potential revision of Moscow's nuclear doctrine. Putin also subtly cautioned unspecified NATO nations in Europe about their compact territories and dense populations, insinuating their vulnerability to obliteration.

In a surprising move this week, Putin expanded the scope of his threats by rekindling a Cold War-era defense agreement with North Korea and suggesting potential military support for Kim Jong-un in response to Ukraine gaining access to Western armaments.

Referring to Western arms supplies to Ukraine while denying any control over the situation, Putin stated on Thursday, “Let them think about that." His menacing remarks, made during a visit to North Korea and Vietnam, marked a fresh phase of tensions between Russia and the West over Ukraine, against a backdrop of upheaval and political instability among Kyiv's primary supporters, particularly with consequential elections looming in the U.S. and France.

Beyond conventional warfare or nuclear threats in Ukraine, Putin aims to showcase his ability to coerce and provoke Western powers in various theaters and on multiple fronts.

“I am concerned that we are caught in a destructive cycle, with policymakers harboring a false sense of control,” remarked Alexander Gabuev, the director of the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center. “The perilous aspect of current events is Russia's willingness to act as a disruptor, exacting a price from the West for its military assistance to Ukraine — even going as far as sharing advanced military technology with North Korea.”

Given that Western leaders have become more accustomed to Putin's threats now than at the conflict's onset, the Russian president has altered his approach, intensifying his rhetoric and raising the stakes. In a rhetorical query during his recent engagements, Putin asked why Moscow shouldn't “go all the w (Short answer)”.