The recent launch of American-made long-range missiles into Russian territory signals a critical shift in the Russia-Ukraine war, as Russia updates its nuclear doctrine. Retired General Lampros Tzoumis noted this ‘dangerous escalation’ during an interview, emphasizing that the shift involves Russia potentially using nuclear weapons in response to conventional attacks supported by a nuclear power, specifically referencing Ukraine’s backing from the United States. Tzoumis assessed that this approach serves as a negotiating tactic for Vladimir Putin, while also predicting that President Joe Biden might provoke a tactical nuclear conflict.