The United States is reportedly considering response plans in light of fears that Russia may use nuclear weapons, particularly if Moscow decides to utilise tactical nuclear weapons in Ukraine.
Military cognizance cited some US intelligence sources as saying that the US is examining how to respond to potential situations, including the possibility of Russia employing tactical nuclear weapons. The US is worried that Russian President Vladimir Putin may intensify the crisis in Ukraine. Washington created backup plans from the beginning of the Russia-Ukraine conflict to deal with Russian military actions, including the possibility that Moscow could escalate the conflict through a so-called nuclear “show off,” such as the attack on the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, or by detonating in high altitudes or in locations far from populated areas.
As Russian forces lose momentum and Moscow annexes more Ukrainian land, experts believe that Washington should take the option of preparing for a nuclear assault.
President Putin’s threats to use nuclear weapons in public are taken seriously by American officials. In a speech last month, Putin emphasised: “If our nation’s territorial integrity is jeopardised, we will take all necessary precautions to save Russia and its citizens.
The Kremlin administrator also promised to use “all available means” to protect these regions on September 30 at the signing ceremony of the treaty annexing four breakaway regions of Ukraine into Russian territory, adding that the US had “set a precedent” for nuclear attacks by dropping bombs on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki during World War II.
Although there is currently no proof that Mr. Putin is preparing for such an attack, Democratic Representative Mike Quigley, a member of the US House of Representatives Intelligence Committee, said Mr. Putin was “capable of doing anything,” adding that “you need to take him seriously.”
A “nuclear showdown” can be envisaged by the Russian side if President Putin does not order a nuclear attack on Ukrainian military or a population centre. scenarios that may be used as backup plans for how Washington and its allies would react to a nuclear assault from Russia.
What particular solutions the United States is preparing, meanwhile, is still unknown.
A nuclear attack is still considered unlikely, although concerns among US officials about the possibility of such a strike have increased in recent weeks. “Failure is not an option for Putin,” said one US intelligence source.
In an interview with CNN on October 2, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said he has yet to see any indication that President Putin has decided to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine.
In addition, the US National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby said Washington is “closely watching” Russia’s moves at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant amid concerns about the potential damage to the nuclear power plant. Mr. Putin could escalate the conflict in Ukraine, noting that the US had “thought carefully” about the response to Russia’s use of nuclear weapons.
Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on October 3 that Russia prioritizes a “balanced approach” rather than relying on emotions when it comes to nuclear weapons.
“Even in difficult times, emotions should not interfere with any assessment. Therefore, we prefer more balanced, objective assessments,” – Mr. Peskov emphasized, and said the opportunity. The basis for the use of nuclear weapons is mentioned in the Russian nuclear doctrine.
