Tensions between Russia and Ukraine have reached a boiling point following a devastating Ukrainian attack on Russian territory, which some Russian officials and commentators have likened to the infamous Pearl Harbor assault of 1941.

The strike, which targeted critical military infrastructure, has ignited fury across Russian political and social spheres, with hardline voices calling for drastic retaliation, including the use of nuclear weapons.

The attack, reportedly carried out by Ukrainian forces using advanced drone and missile technology, struck a key Russian military base in the early hours of Sunday.

While casualty figures remain unconfirmed, the assault caused significant damage to strategic assets, prompting outrage among Russian citizens and officials.

Social media platforms, including posts trending on X, have been flooded with comparisons to Pearl Harbor, emphasizing the surprise and scale of the operation.

Prominent Russian nationalists and some Kremlin insiders have urged President Vladimir Putin to consider extreme measures, including the deployment of tactical nuclear weapons, to deter further Ukrainian aggression.

“This is a direct challenge to Russia’s sovereignty,” said a senior commentator on state television. “The time for restraint is over; we must respond with overwhelming force to protect our nation.”

However, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov refrained from endorsing nuclear escalation, stating, “Russia will respond proportionately to any threats to its security.”

Putin has not publicly commented on the calls for nuclear action, but analysts suggest he faces mounting pressure from hawkish factions within his government.

The international community has reacted with alarm. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg condemned the escalation, urging both sides to exercise restraint.

“Any use of nuclear weapons would have catastrophic consequences,” he said during a press briefing. The United Nations has called for an emergency session to address the crisis.