Putin Orders Renewed Focus on Nuclear Weapons
Terrorism reared its ugly head once again in the Dagestan region of Russia with simultaneous attacks in the cities of Makhachkala and Derbent. The attackers targeted churches, synagogues, and a police checkpoint, resulting in the death of 19 individuals, including 15 police officers. Among the victims was 66-year-old priest Nikolai Kotelnikov, who lost his life on a significant day for the Orthodox Church, Pentecost.
Russian security services swiftly launched a terrorism investigation following the attacks. Dagestan Governor Sergei Melikov vowed to uncover all sleeper cells involved in the attacks. Notably, politician Magomed Omarov, head of the Dagestan unit of United Russia, was arrested due to the involvement of his two sons and a nephew in the attack. His party position was promptly terminated upon this revelation, and the region declared three days of mourning.
In a surprising turn of events, Russia announced an update to its nuclear doctrine in response to the escalating tensions. Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov cited President Vladimir Putin’s commitment to align the doctrine with current realities, emphasizing Russia’s status as the world’s ‘largest nuclear power’. The move comes amid rising western support in the Ukraine conflict, sparking the most significant rift between Russia and the West since the Cuban missile crisis in 1962.
Furthermore, tensions escalated with new attacks in Crimea, where the Ukrainian army targeted civilians on a beach. Russia accused the Kiev administration of deliberately attacking children, resulting in the tragic loss of two young lives. President Putin condemned the West’s decision to supply long-range weapons to Ukraine, warning of asymmetrical responses to any threats posed to Russian territory.
As these violent events unfold, the international community watches with bated breath, hoping for a swift resolution and an end to the cycle of violence.
