Russia Maintains Emergency Hotline with U.S.

Russia confirmed the continuation of an emergency hotline with the United States and NATO as nuclear risks escalate amid the ongoing Ukraine conflict, which officials describe as entering its most perilous phase. President Vladimir Putin warned that Western approval for Ukraine to strike deep into Russia with Western missiles would signify direct NATO involvement in the war. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko stated that Moscow views NATO as increasing its reliance on nuclear weapons and is updating its nuclear doctrine to reflect a lower threshold for their use in response to conventional attacks. U.S. President Joe Biden has framed the current geopolitical landscape as a struggle between democracies and autocracies, with China as a competitor and Russia as a primary threat. The hotline, established in 1963 to curb misperceptions during crises, remains critical for communication during heightened tensions, having been utilized in various historical conflicts. The situation continues to evolve as both sides navigate the complexities of military engagement and deterrence strategies.