Putin’s statements foreshadow a real nuclear warning from Russia, but how concrete is the use of atomic weapons?
The Russian Nuclear Threat is increasingly looming and President Putin is doing nothing to reassure other nations about it. Indeed, nuclear energy is Russian intimidation par excellence, and the Kremlin does not hesitate to resort to it, not even covertly, every time it tries to provoke other countries by ordering them not to get involved in the conflict with Ukraine.
It is also true that NATO, and above all the United States, has punctually responded in kind, with various demonstrations of nuclear power and availability with which to respond. Regardless of this, any use of these weapons would be extremely damaging for all parties, including territories not involved. But how concrete is Putin’s use of atomic weapons? Is this yet another intimidating message or does Moscow intend to get serious this time?
Nuclear alarm from Russia, Putin’s message
Russian President Vladimir Putin is once again using the threat of atomic weapons. Russia, in fact, continues to develop its nuclear arsenal. The so-called “nuclear triad” is composed of atomic weapons based on land, sea, and air. Indeed, Putin has announced that Sarmat ballistic missiles will soon be introduced.
Sarmat missiles are particularly dangerous, even when taken in the ambit of nuclear weapons. These missiles, known to NATO as SS-30 Satan II, have a disproportionate destructive capacity, capable of striking with a range of as much as 18,000 kilometers. Moreover, these ICBMs are capable of carrying dozens of nuclear warheads, which is why they are set to play an essential role in Russia’s nuclear triad.
According to Putin’s statements, the Sarmat missiles will soon be ready to be used during the fighting and will join the crew of almost half of the strategic missile formations. According to the president, it is a fundamental component for the security of the country and for "global stability".
In any case, the reference to these atomic weapons is not surprising, given that the Kremlin had conducted a test in February, moreover in parallel with President Biden’s visit to Ukraine. However, Washington had been informed in advance of the launch, which therefore was not considered a threat, despite NATO referring to it as Russia’s more powerful intercontinental ballistic missile, extremely advanced from a technological point of view and quite destructive thanks to the ability to carry more nuclear warheads.
How real is Russia’s use of atomic weapons?
If the conflict in Ukraine teaches us anything, it is that Moscow does not indulge in intimidation tactics, but is quick to leap into action when threats cease to be taken seriously. It would seem that we are facing an escalation, in which the danger of Russian atomic weapons is increasingly concrete.
US president Joe Biden also shares this opinion:
When I came here about two years ago to say I was concerned about the drying up of the Colorado River, everyone looked at me like I was crazy. They looked at me like when I said I worry about Putin using tactical nukes. It’s real.
On the other hand, the Ukrainian president’s opinion is decidedly more optimistic. Volodymyr Zelensky, in fact, affirmed with remarkable certainty that Putin will not resort to the nuclear arsenal. Although the Ukrainian counter-offensive has slowed, it seems that intimidation had little effect on the opponent, so much so that Zelensky stated that "he is not ready. He is afraid for his life".
Original article published on Money.it Italy 2023-06-21 21:11:43. Original title: Allarme nucleare Russia, quanto è concreto l’utilizzo di armi atomiche da parte di Putin?
