North Korean soldiers in Russia and the US OK to Ukraine’s use of long-range missiles: are we heading for a third world war before Donald Trump takes office?
With Donald Trump’s inauguration as president of the United States scheduled for early 2025, following the traditional transition period, speculation is growing about the potential for a third world war before his return to power.
Even before his electoral victory, much was said about Trump’s plan to end the conflict in Ukraine within days, aiming to avoid the escalation of hostilities into a broader war in Europe. This discussion has gained renewed relevance given the recent intensification of the war between Ukraine and Russia.
Key developments include North Korean soldiers reportedly sent by Kim Jong-un to support Russian troops in Moscow, although their exact role remains unclear. Meanwhile, the New York Times reports that Joe Biden has authorized Ukraine’s use of long-range Atacms and Storm Shadow missiles, enabling strikes deep into Russian territory.
In response, Vladimir Putin has reiterated that such actions could be perceived as direct NATO involvement in the conflict, potentially triggering a third world war. Analysts suspect Biden’s urgency stems from a desire to shape the trajectory of the Ukraine war before Trump takes office, even if this strategy carries significant risks.
The Prospect of a Third World War Before Trump’s Presidency
Throughout his campaign, Donald Trump frequently raised the specter of a third world war, accusing Joe Biden of leading the United States toward disaster. Trump’s proposed peace plan involves conceding occupied territories to Russia and blocking Ukraine’s NATO membership. In return, Ukraine would receive guarantees of military support against future invasions, leaving Europe to bear the financial burden of reconstruction.
For Volodymyr Zelensky and Western hawks advocating total resistance against Russia, this plan represents a nightmare scenario. They argue that Ukraine’s military must be better armed and supported to reverse its fortunes in a war it is currently losing.
Thus far, the United States has supplied Ukraine with limited quantities of Atacms and Storm Shadow missiles, which can strike targets up to 300 kilometers away. However, concerns about depleting U.S. stockpiles—given other geopolitical hotspots in the Middle East and Pacific—have kept these shipments small.
The introduction of North Korean soldiers, with estimates from Bloomberg suggesting up to 100,000 troops in rotation, has added another layer of complexity. While their presence might not significantly alter the battlefield dynamics, the use of long-range missiles to strike Russian territory could provoke Moscow to perceive this as a NATO-backed hostile act.
Ukraine’s NATO Membership and the Path Ahead
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte recently declared that Ukraine’s accession to the Atlantic Alliance is now irreversible, further complicating the conflict. This prospect was one of the key triggers for Russia’s invasion and remains a contentious issue in the broader geopolitical landscape.
If Donald Trump follows through on his stated intentions to overhaul Western strategy, favoring a settlement more beneficial to Russia, it would mark a significant shift in U.S. policy. However, the outgoing Biden administration appears determined to shape the conflict’s outcome before handing over the reins.
The coming weeks will be critical in determining the course of this war, which has already dragged on for nearly a thousand days. The question remains whether efforts to change the trajectory will defuse tensions or ignite a larger, more devastating conflict.
Original article published on Money.it Italy 2024-11-18 10:09:21. Original title: Terza guerra mondiale prima che arrivi Trump: la Nato si prepara?
