Ukraine live briefing: Russia begins nuclear drills; West dismisses Moscow’s ‘dirty bomb’ claim as misinformation
Russia began its annual nuclear exercises Wednesday, with President Vladimir Putin observing the large-scale drills of the country’s strategic forces via video. While the drills are routine, Putin has threatened to use nuclear weapons since the invasion of Ukraine began.
In a meeting with the security services of former Soviet states, Putin repeated the unfounded Russian claim that Ukraine is planning to use a “dirty bomb,” an explosive device that includes radioactive material. Moscow has repeatedly claimed without evidence that Ukraine is planning to use such a device. Western diplomats have denounced Russia’s “dirty bomb” claim as misinformation and a waste of their time.
Here’s the latest on the war and its ripple effects across the globe.
4. From our correspondents
European allies worry U.S. could dial back support for Ukraine: U.S. allies in Europe are growing increasingly concerned that the united front presented by the West in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine could quickly unravel if Republicans are victorious in the midterm elections, ceding an advantage to President Vladimir Putin just when Ukraine is making progress on the battlefield, Liz Sly writes.
In the eight months since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, a rare level of transatlantic consensus has taken hold over the need to support Ukraine. Collectively, Ukraine’s allies have pledged more than $93 billion in military, financial and humanitarian assistance, with the lion’s share of that promised by the United States.
Since comments by the House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) that a Republican-controlled House wouldn’t continue to issue “blank check” funding for Ukraine, officials in both Kyiv and Western Europe have begun to wonder whether Ukraine can continue to count on the United States.
It’s unclear whether Republicans would carry out the threat to reduce funding for Ukraine if they do take control of House. But the mere suggestion that the U.S. might pull back has set off alarm bells in Western capitals.