Western nations are currently engaged in a debate over Ukraine's right to deploy short-range ballistic and cruise missiles for self-defense.

As this discussion unfolds, authoritarian regimes, particularly Russia and its allies, are significantly enhancing their military capabilities, including the acquisition of long-range missiles and tactical nuclear weapons.

This evolving situation highlights the urgent need for Western democracies to make timely decisions to counter the assertive actions of these authoritarian states.

Russia has already deployed tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus and plans to supply RS-26 Oreshnik medium-range ballistic missiles to Belarus by 2025, which poses a considerable threat to Europe.

Amidst these threats, Ukraine faces daily attacks from Russian missiles and airstrikes, prompting its urgent request for increased Western military support.

Critics, including Oleksandr Arhat, have pointed out the indecision of Western democracies, emphasizing that autocracies are rapidly augmenting their military capabilities, including nuclear proxies in Belarus.

The growing imbalance in missile capabilities between Ukraine and its adversaries raises significant concerns about Ukraine's defense and the overall stability of European security.

Recent reports indicate that Russia has acquired North Korea's KN-15 Pukguksong-2 missiles, which have a range of approximately 2,000 kilometers, thereby extending the threat beyond Ukraine.

Additionally, Russia has received tactical missile systems from North Korea, such as the KN-23, which have been actively used against Ukraine, with reports of 60 such missiles launched during the ongoing invasion.

However, discussions in Western countries regarding the provision of advanced missiles to Ukraine are progressing slowly, hindered by various political and logistical challenges.