Hotline between Russia, US not in use currently: Kremlin spokesperson
Tensions Rise as US Allows Ukraine to Use Long-Range Missiles Against Russia
Amid growing tensions between Moscow and Washington, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov announced that the special hotline between Russia and the US, established after the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, is not currently in use. Instead, a protected communication channel for the presidents is available, including video conferencing options. The last call between Russian President Vladimir Putin and the US President was on February 12, 2022.
The hotline, operational since August 30, 1963, was used for emergencies during the Cold War. In recent years, direct phone communication between the presidents has been preferred. In 2016, media reports suggested that then-US President Barack Obama used the 'red phone' to discuss cyber interference in the US election, but the Kremlin denied this, stating it was a regular closed line.
Meanwhile, Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh declined to comment on reports of Ukraine using US-supplied ATACMS missiles on Russia's Bryansk Region. The New York Times reported that US President Joe Biden allowed Ukraine to use these missiles for deeper strikes inside Russia, confirmed by Assistant Secretary of State Brian Nichols. EU countries have also authorized similar actions.
Russia reported that Ukrainian forces fired six US-produced ATACMS missiles at Bryansk, with five intercepted and one causing a fire. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov condemned the use of these missiles, stating it marks a new phase of Western involvement in the conflict.
In response, President Putin signed a decree updating Russia's nuclear doctrine, allowing for a nuclear response to Western non-nuclear attacks. Peskov warned that the US decision to allow Ukraine to use American missiles signifies a new escalation in tensions.
Doubts Revealed
US-Russia hotline
The US-Russia hotline was a direct communication link between the leaders of the United States and Russia to quickly discuss important issues and avoid misunderstandings. It has now been replaced by a more secure communication channel for the presidents.
ATACMS missiles
ATACMS stands for Army Tactical Missile System. These are long-range missiles that can hit targets far away, and the US has allowed Ukraine to use them to strike deeper into Russia.
Kremlin
The Kremlin is a famous building in Moscow, Russia, where the Russian government works. It is often used to refer to the Russian government itself.
Bryansk
Bryansk is a city in Russia that was reportedly attacked by Ukrainian missiles. It is located near the border with Ukraine.
Nuclear doctrine
A nuclear doctrine is a set of rules or policies that a country follows regarding the use of nuclear weapons. President Putin updated Russia's nuclear doctrine to allow for a nuclear response to certain types of attacks.
Western non-nuclear attacks
Western non-nuclear attacks refer to military actions by Western countries, like the US and its allies, that do not involve nuclear weapons. Russia's updated doctrine allows for a nuclear response to such attacks.
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