Editorial: La Vanguardia

• Recent incidents in the Ukraine war have increased global concern over a possible escalation to nuclear weapon use by Russia.
• Biden authorized Ukraine to use American long-range ATACMS missiles on Russian territory, which provoked responses from Zelenski and Putin.
• The new Russian nuclear doctrine expands the cases in which the Kremlin could use nuclear weapons, including conventional attacks that threaten national sovereignty.
• Russia appears to be using the nuclear threat to increase pressure on the West and EU, with the intent to divide the Europeans in relation to their support for Ukraine.
• Putin has no interest in coming to an agreement with the West, he seeks to weaken it. Russia's economic dependence on China, a country opposed to the use of nuclear weapons, may deter nuclear action.
• Europe needs to quickly adapt to its new global context, and may no longer be able to rely on the security provided by the U.S., needing to think in terms of its own security and defense.

Conclusion: We are in a scenario of high tension and political strategy, where the nuclear threat emerges as a tool of pressure and deterrence. Europe must seek its strategic autonomy and prepare for an uncertain scenario.

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