Explainer: Might Russia use nuclear weapons in the Ukraine war?
Below are some of the key issues surrounding the possibility - viewed as remote by many analysts and Western diplomats - that Putin might actually use nuclear weapons.Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comIn a speech announcing the invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, Putin gave a veiled but unmistakable warning that if the West intervened in what he has called a "special military operation" he could use nuclear weapons in response.
"I would not want to elevate those risks artificially. Many would like that. The danger is serious, real. And we must not underestimate it," he said last week, prompting the U.S. State Department to call his remarks "the height of irresponsibility". On Feb. 28, U.S. President Joe Biden told Americans not to worry about a nuclear war with Russia. Responding to a shouted question about whether U.S. citizens should be concerned about a nuclear war erupting, Biden said "no."Biden's comment appeared to reflect a widespread view among U.S. experts and Western officials that the chances of Russia using nuclear weapons in the Ukraine war are extremely low.
The main aim of Russia's elliptical threats of a nuclear strike seems to be to deter Washington and its NATO allies from direct involvement in the war, experts and Western diplomats said.
France Dernières Nouvelles, France Actualités
Similar News:Vous pouvez également lire des articles d'actualité similaires à celui-ci que nous avons collectés auprès d'autres sources d'information.
EXPLAINER: Why Is Russia Attacking Ukraine's Railway System?Russia's military has launched a string of attacks on Ukraine's railway network, which has been vital for moving Western arms to Ukrainian forces, evacuating refugees and exporting food.
Lire la suite »
Russia pounds Ukraine, targeting supply of Western armsThe Russian military said Wednesday it used sea- and air-launched precision guided missiles to destroy electric power facilities at five railway stations across Ukraine, while artillery and aircraft also struck troop strongholds and fuel and ammunition depots.
Lire la suite »
Russia pounds Ukraine, targeting supply of Western armsThe Russian military said Wednesday it used sea- and air-launched precision guided missiles to destroy electric power facilities at five railway stations across Ukraine, while artillery and aircraft also struck troop strongholds and fuel and ammunition depots.
Lire la suite »
Russia Now Claims ‘Israeli Mercenaries’ Fighting Along With Nazis in Ukraine'In Ukraine right now, Israeli mercenaries are actually shoulder to shoulder with Azov fighters,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said in an interview with state-owned Sputnik
Lire la suite »
Russia denies Putin is declaring war on Ukraine next week'It is nonsense,' Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said when asked about reports of an upcoming declaration of war.
Lire la suite »
Russia-Ukraine live updates: Russians entered Mariupol plant, shelling ongoingLATEST: At least 25 civilians were injured by Russian shelling on residential areas and the central part of Kramatorsk on Wednesday night, according to the local city council.
Lire la suite »