Scott Ritter Warns World is ‘very close to point of no return’
Scott Ritter has described the West's policy of escalation as “grossly irresponsible” following Russia’s recent missile strike. Read the full article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
Russia’s recent use of the Oreshnik missile represents a “qualitative advancement,” demonstrating the country’s readiness to “mirror” any escalation from the West, according to former UN weapons inspector Scott Ritter.
The strike on a Ukrainian defense industrial facility with a new hypersonic ballistic missile system serves as a message to the West, indicating that further escalation will have dire consequences, Ritter stated. He criticized America’s approach to Russia as reckless and suggested that underestimating Moscow’s willingness to retaliate has brought the world to the brink of nuclear war. Ritter made these remarks during an appearance on the ‘Judging Freedom’ YouTube channel on Thursday.
Earlier that day, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that the military had successfully targeted a Ukrainian site with the Oreshnik, an intermediate-range ballistic missile. This attack was framed as revenge for Ukraine’s use of US-made ATACMS and HIMARS systems, as well as British Storm Shadow missiles on Russian territory earlier in the week, according to Putin.
The missile launch acts as a definitive signal to the West, reaffirming that Moscow is serious about its warnings regarding Western support for Ukraine's offensive actions. Ritter emphasized that the missile used is capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear warheads, pointing out that Putin indicated this weapon could reach all of Europe. Ritter paraphrased Putin, saying the Russian leader would respond to any escalation from Ukraine and its allies without hesitation.
Referring to the Oreshnik missile as a “qualitative advancement,” Ritter noted that it introduces a new category of weaponry to the ongoing conflict. He cautioned those who thought Russia was bluffing that they have now been put “on notice.”
Ritter warned that continuing the current Western approach to the conflict with Ukraine could lead to severe and reckless outcomes. He stated, “We are very, very close to reaching the point of no return when it comes to a nuclear war.”
He criticized remarks made by US Strategic Command spokesman Rear Admiral Thomas Buchanan, who mentioned that the US was prepared for nuclear strikes but would only do so on terms advantageous to Washington. Ritter interpreted these comments as indicative of a readiness for a potential “pre-emptive strike” against Russia, suggesting that the only way to ensure survival in such an exchange would be to neutralize Russia’s nuclear capabilities first, a notion that could exacerbate tensions with Moscow.
Ritter also expressed concern that the "lame duck" administration of President Joe Biden might be complicating the situation intentionally, allowing Ukrainian forces to use Western long-range weaponry against Russia to create challenges for future leaders. He claimed that this strategy serves to safeguard against possible policy shifts under a hypothetical Trump administration.
Donald Trump has promised to bring a swift resolution to the Ukraine conflict upon taking office, which might entail pressuring Ukraine to abandon its ambitions for NATO membership and agreeing to a ceasefire. Meanwhile, Russia has made it clear that it will not accept anything less than the fulfillment of its military objectives, including Ukraine’s demilitarization and denazification.
Mathilde Moreau contributed to this report for TROIB News
The strike on a Ukrainian defense industrial facility with a new hypersonic ballistic missile system serves as a message to the West, indicating that further escalation will have dire consequences, Ritter stated. He criticized America’s approach to Russia as reckless and suggested that underestimating Moscow’s willingness to retaliate has brought the world to the brink of nuclear war. Ritter made these remarks during an appearance on the ‘Judging Freedom’ YouTube channel on Thursday.
Earlier that day, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that the military had successfully targeted a Ukrainian site with the Oreshnik, an intermediate-range ballistic missile. This attack was framed as revenge for Ukraine’s use of US-made ATACMS and HIMARS systems, as well as British Storm Shadow missiles on Russian territory earlier in the week, according to Putin.
The missile launch acts as a definitive signal to the West, reaffirming that Moscow is serious about its warnings regarding Western support for Ukraine's offensive actions. Ritter emphasized that the missile used is capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear warheads, pointing out that Putin indicated this weapon could reach all of Europe. Ritter paraphrased Putin, saying the Russian leader would respond to any escalation from Ukraine and its allies without hesitation.
Referring to the Oreshnik missile as a “qualitative advancement,” Ritter noted that it introduces a new category of weaponry to the ongoing conflict. He cautioned those who thought Russia was bluffing that they have now been put “on notice.”
Ritter warned that continuing the current Western approach to the conflict with Ukraine could lead to severe and reckless outcomes. He stated, “We are very, very close to reaching the point of no return when it comes to a nuclear war.”
He criticized remarks made by US Strategic Command spokesman Rear Admiral Thomas Buchanan, who mentioned that the US was prepared for nuclear strikes but would only do so on terms advantageous to Washington. Ritter interpreted these comments as indicative of a readiness for a potential “pre-emptive strike” against Russia, suggesting that the only way to ensure survival in such an exchange would be to neutralize Russia’s nuclear capabilities first, a notion that could exacerbate tensions with Moscow.
Ritter also expressed concern that the "lame duck" administration of President Joe Biden might be complicating the situation intentionally, allowing Ukrainian forces to use Western long-range weaponry against Russia to create challenges for future leaders. He claimed that this strategy serves to safeguard against possible policy shifts under a hypothetical Trump administration.
Donald Trump has promised to bring a swift resolution to the Ukraine conflict upon taking office, which might entail pressuring Ukraine to abandon its ambitions for NATO membership and agreeing to a ceasefire. Meanwhile, Russia has made it clear that it will not accept anything less than the fulfillment of its military objectives, including Ukraine’s demilitarization and denazification.
Mathilde Moreau contributed to this report for TROIB News
