Russian Convoy Tests NATO Resolve To Stay Hands-off In Fight for Ukraine
The stakes involve potential nuclear conflict, according to one former Obama official
A massive Russian convoy about just 30 miles from Kyiv could test US and NATO determination not to confront Russia directly over its ongoing efforts to invade Ukraine.
The question comes Monday as US and UK officials reiterated their stance that they would do nothing to confront Russia directly over the invasion Russian leader Vladimir Putin launched last Thursday.
Russian offensives continued Monday across Ukraine.
The consequences could be nuclear annihilation for the United States if it were to intervene, according to one top former White House official in the Obama administration.
The United States, in concert with its NATO allies, have been funneling weapons and other aid in Ukraine's determined efforts to fight off Russian aggression.
However, US and UK officials reiterated a commitment not to enter Ukraine directly in any military involvement — either ground troops or establishment of a “no fly zone.”
Richard Engel, chief foreign correspondent for NBC News, wondered whether that determination would hold given the proximity of the large Russian convoy near Ukraine's capital city.
“Perhaps the biggest risk-calculation/moral dilemma of the war so far. A massive Russian convoy is abt 30 miles from Kyiv. The US/NATO could likely destroy it. But that would be direct involvement against Russia and risk, everything. Does the West watch in silence as it rolls?” Engel tweeted.
The stakes for direct US confrontation with a nuclear-armed Russia could spell disaster, according to a former spokesman for President Barack Obama.
“The way you tweet about whether the US and NATO should engage in a full-on war against a nuclear-armed super power is shockingly glib. It's not as simple as ‘watch in silence as it rolls' or not. The stakes are risking nuclear annihilation,” replied Tommy Vietor.
Do you find this post of value?
Please consider supporting our work by joining our Patreon for as little as $5…