Escalation in Russia-Ukraine War

How can one find a positive note in the escalation of the Russia-Ukraine war? After the United States agreed to allow Ukraine to use US-made missiles against Russia, Russian president Putin signed an updated nuclear policy. This new policy states that Russia is willing to use nuclear weapons in response to use of allies' weapons by Ukraine against Russia. So what now?

Image credit: AP News

After North Korea sent troops to fight in Russia against Ukraine, it could have been expected that the United States and other allies would respond to the heightened force. Biden did just that when authorizing Ukraine to utilize American weapons. Ukraine has also used UK-supplied missiles for the first time in this conflict, though the UK has not yet commented on this course of action.

This escalation has seen a response from North Korea, stating that the threats from the United States warrant North Korea's expansion of nuclear weapons. Meanwhile, NATO members Sweden and Finland, along with Denmark and Norway, have sent out updated war preparedness guides, explaining what to do in the instance of an airstrike in addition to advising citizens to stockpile food and water.

So what is the silver lining amidst this escalation? For one, threats are being taken seriously across the border. All countries involved in this conflict are moving carefully in response to the conflict's updates. With this war again being a dominant news story, it is possible that world leaders will come together to negotiate an agreement. Leaders everywhere must understand that lack of cooperation may lead to an unforgettable and avoidable tragedy, the likes of which the world has never seen.