6 Long-Range Missiles to Change the World

After the distraction of the election and the "USD Trump Hump" dragging gold lower and the USD to yearly highs, Biden has retaliated with a long-range missile attack. With 62 days left in office and amidst the Trump-proposed Ukraine-Russian truce, Biden allowed Ukraine to fire U.S.-made long-range missiles into Russia, escalating the war and possibly dragging NATO and the U.S. into direct opposition with Russia.

So, will this war see the price of gold rise to new all-time highs?

Russia’s Response

In response to the use of these missiles, Russia marked the 1000-day anniversary of the war's start by issuing a decree. President Vladimir Putin expanded Russia’s policy on nuclear strikes to include nations backed by nuclear powers. Although likely a direct response to the U.S. enabling Ukraine’s use of the missiles, the adjusted doctrine should come as no surprise, as it was raised as a potential policy change in September this year.

The missiles fired now mean that under this doctrine, Russia perceives this war as an escalation by the U.S. and possibly NATO more broadly, expanding the conflict into the West. Russia’s Dmitry Medvedev stated:

“Russia’s new nuclear doctrine means NATO missiles fired against our country could be deemed an attack by the bloc on Russia. Russia could retaliate with WMDs against Kyiv and key NATO facilities, wherever they’re located. That means World War III.”

U.S. Goes Against Germany

Four days ago, Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz called Putin for the first time in two years, seeing a glimmer of hope that peace could be negotiated. Scholz, recognising that the supply of these weapons could lead to escalation, had refused Ukraine’s request to supply Taurus missiles (similar to those supplied by the U.S.) With today’s escalation contradicting Germany’s rhetoric, it will be interesting to observe German-U.S. relations from here. Germany and the U.S. are arguably the two most influential members of NATO, but Germany, being in Europe, is more likely to feel the aggravated response in their backyard.

The Nordic Nations’ Response

The Nordic nations have reacted by distributing pamphlets and websites to their residents, advising them on how to prepare for war. Norway has circulated millions of pamphlets on handling extreme weather, war, and national threats. Denmark has emailed advice on essential supplies for dealing with the potential escalation of war.

Worldwide Posturing

While the G20 conference continues—with Presidents holding hands with Prime Ministers—the world seems happier than the grim posturing surrounding both the Ukraine-Russia war and the Middle Eastern conflict.

To name a few more recent escalations:

• North Korea has sent troops to fight for Russia.
• The E.U. has expanded sanctions on Iran due to its support of Russia.
• Today, there was an undersea cable cut in the Baltic Sea—initially blamed on Russia, but now a Chinese ship is being investigated by the Swedes.

With 62 days remaining until a change in U.S. government, could World War III erupt before then? Who will align with whom?

In times of escalating geopolitical tensions and potential economic instability, gold stands as a timeless safe haven, trusted to preserve wealth in uncertain times. As conflicts intensify and fears of broader escalation grow, gold could once again demonstrate its resilience.

Watch the Ainslie Insights video discussion of this article here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWUC4AQpktE