Kyiv (Brussels Morning Newspaper)The possibility of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s regime using nuclear weapons in their ongoing conflict with Ukraine has been discussed. The Russian military’s defeat in Ukraine, in which its forces are being driven back to the country’s east, has increased concerns that a desperate Vladimir Putin could resort to using a nuclear weapon, possibly a lower-yield tactical warhead, to shock Ukraine into giving up its resistance to his invasion of the country. This is because of the Russian military’s debacle in Ukraine, where its forces are being pushed back to the country’s east. Let’s talk about the nuclear targets in Ukraine, shall we?
Why is Russia aiming for Nuclear Targets in Ukraine?
The military of Ukraine is making steady progress in retaking territory in the east and south of the nation, both of which were occupied by Russia at an earlier stage of the conflict. As a result of these combat defeats, Putin is coming under increasing pressure from Russia’s pro-war camp. Many of these extremists believe that Russia must use the entire might of its armed forces in Ukraine.
This is undoubtedly one of the contributing factors that led to Putin’s latest escalation, which includes the mobilization of an extra 300,000 soldiers, the annexation of Ukrainian land, and the rattling of nuclear sabres.
Ukraine’s Reaction to Russian Attacks
After the accident that occurred in 1986 at the Chornobyl nuclear power plant in Ukraine, which ultimately resulted in the loss of thousands of lives, Ukraine hasn’t said much about Putin’s most recent threat. Still, the country has a first-hand understanding of the dangers posed by nuclear energy as a result.
Ukraine does not own any nuclear weapons, even though the nation operates several nuclear power reactors for peaceful purposes. When the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, Ukraine was left with a significant portion of its nuclear weapons. However, in 1994, Ukraine and Russia came to an agreement wherein Russia agreed to respect Ukraine’s boundaries in exchange for Ukraine giving up its nuclear weapons.
Putin’s Threat of Nuclear Strikes
Putin’s response will be determined by the gravity of the danger he believes he faces to Russia and his authority. Russia’s president portrays the conflict in Ukraine as a struggle to the death between his nation and the West, which he claims intends to destroy Russia to exploit its abundant natural resources.
When Putin stated he was prepared to use nuclear weapons to protect Russia, he was not joking. US Washington seems to be taking Putin seriously despite claims from some experts that he is bluffing. Putin could portray any assault on these regions as an attack on Russia itself, elevating the nuclear danger since Russia claimed 18% of Ukraine as part of Russia.
Upon “aggression against the Russian Federation using conventional weapons when the very survival of the state is endangered,” Russia is authorized to launch a nuclear strike, according to its nuclear policy.
Still, Putin might decide against a nuclear strike for other reasons. Putin claimed Ukrainian land as Russian property, and many Russians live there. However, if the nuclear taboo established after World War II were to be broken, it would not necessarily affect the tactical situation on the ground.
One military expert said that “He is bluffing right now.” Now that he knows the fight is lost, it’s hard to predict what he’ll do next week or month.
In response to a question about whether Putin was planning a nuclear assault, the CIA Director said, “we have to take very seriously these type of threats, given everything that’s at stake.” However, the CIA had no “practical proof” that Putin was planning to use nuclear weapons in a tactical setting.
Raed More: What Are The Nuclear Targets in France?
Conclusion
This article pertains to the easy nuclear targets in Ukraine and the impact of Putin’s attacking them. Although it is difficult to predict the details of a Russian nuclear strike in Ukraine, Moscow would most likely deploy tactical nuclear weapons—short-range devices designed to be used on the battlefield—either against troops or to destroy a logistics hub. While it is difficult to predict the details of a Russian nuclear strike in Ukraine, experts say that Moscow would most likely deploy tactical nuclear weapons. If Putin were to launch the first attack, it is very doubtful that he would target a city in Ukraine, and he would even try to avoid civilian fatalities entirely. While it is impossible to identify future targets, Putin may have in mind the Black Sea outpost that Russia captured early in the conflict, but that was later recaptured and has become a symbol of Ukrainian resistance.
