According to the New York Times, Russian military leaders have discussed the possibility of using nuclear weapons in Ukraine.
A soldier stands on top of an armored personnel carrier.
According to the Times, senior Russian military leaders have recently discussed the possibility of using a tactical nuclear weapon in Ukraine.
The Times reported that Putin didn't contribute to the conversations because he is the sole decision-maker in charge of Russia's vast nuclear arsenal.
Despite Putin's absence, U.S. officials objected to the discussions as a sign that Moscow's nuclear rhetoric could be more than just empty threats.
The Times didn't know when the conversations took place or when the military leaders believed Moscow would seriously consider a nuclear strike.
The US has not seen any evidence that Russia is preparing to launch a nuclear strike.
The Times said John F. Kirby, a National Security Council official, declined to comment on the particulars of its reporting. We see no indication that Russia is preparing for such use.
From the beginning, Moscow has shown little respect for the longstanding international norms that govern nuclear power. Within days of the invasion, Russian troops seized Chernobyl, the site of the world's worst nuclear accident, and did not flinch in the face of international outrage. Putin and other officials have repeatedly threatened to use tactical nuclear weapons to defend their interests. In the last few weeks, Moscow has made a baseless claim that Kyiv is planning to use a dirty bomb. A dirty bomb is a bomb that has radioactive material in it. The allegations were called a distraction and an attempt by Russia to justify its own use of nuclear weapons by the Ukrainian government. The UN's nuclear watchdog said it had launched an independent investigation into Russia's claims this week and previous inspections of Ukrainian facilities have not revealed any hidden nuclear material.
As pressure on the Russian leader grows and battlefield losses mount, it is not clear whether Putin will order a nuclear strike or not. Since World War Two, the only use of a nuclear weapon in conflict has been by the U.S. It could change the way modern warfare is conducted. Military powers like the U.S. and NATO don't know how to respond. President Joe Biden warned that even a limited strike could quickly escalate into a world-ending event if Russia used nuclear weapons.
US officials say that Russian military leaders discussed the use of nuclear weapons.
If Putin ordered a nuclear strike, what would happen?
The experts say what you should do in a nuclear attack.
America never answers the nuclear question.
All Rights Reserved © 2024
