On November 21, the New York Times published an article saying that US and European officials are discussing the possibility of deterrence as a security measure for Ukraine. The measure could be implemented in the form of creating a regular weapons stockpile in Ukraine.
Some officials have even suggested that US President Joe Biden will return the nuclear weapons he has purchased from the country to Ukraine after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the New York Times wrote, stressing that there would be a difficult step and would have serious consequences.
According to Sputnik, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that making nuclear weapons in the modern world is not difficult, but it is still unclear whether Ukraine is capable of doing so.
Mr. Putin also called the information that Ukraine may possess nuclear weapons another province.
President Putin noted that any step towards the creation of nuclear weapons from Ukraine will face appropriate reactions; Russia will not allow the creation of nuclear weapons in Ukraine under any circumstances. Mr. Putin also emphasized that Russia will monitor which Western country wants to transfer nuclear weapons to Ukraine.
On November 19, Russian President Vladimir Putin approved changes to Russia's nuclear doctrine, expanding the cases where nuclear weapons can be used.
These changes include the ability to use nuclear weapons in response to a large-scale drone attack or an attack on the territory of a non-nuclear state supported by a nuclear state.
President Joe Biden has allowed Ukraine to use ATACMS long-range missiles to attack Russian territory. In addition, the Washington Post reported that Ukraine will receive US-made anti-personnel mines, despite Joe Biden's ban on the use of the weapon.
In response to Ukraine's use of long-range missiles, Russia fired its latest Oreshnik hypersonic missile at Ukraine on November 22. The Oreshnik missile has caused alarm in the West, worrying NATO members, as it is the first time such a system has been used and much remains unknown about the missile.
The Biden administration is seeking to provide Ukraine with as much assistance as possible before President-elect Donald Trump takes office. The grants include $7 billion in weapons and ammunition from the Pentagon's reserves and an additional $2.1 billion to purchase new weapons from US defense contractors.
The Pentagon said it has lifted a ban on deploying US military contractors to Ukraine to help the Ukrainian armed forces maintain and repair weapons systems provided. This includes repairs to F-16 fighter jets and patriot air defense systems.
US experts will operate far from the front line and will not participate in the combat. The contracts with US contractors are expected to be signed before Mr. Biden leaves office.
