Putin's nuclear threat: Is he waiting for Trump's return?
Russia threatens with nuclear weapons. Amid rising tensions and growing threats, NATO asserts that no restrictions should be placed on the weapon systems provided to Ukraine. Should we really be afraid? According to Dr. Jamie Shea, a former high-ranking NATO official, Putin is waiting for Donald Trump to take power.
Vladimir Putin has approved an amendment to the nuclear doctrine, which states that a "critical threat" to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Belarus and Russia could justify the use of nuclear weapons. The document clearly indicates that "The fundamental principle of the doctrine is that the use of nuclear weapons is a measure of last resort to protect the country's sovereignty." Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that it is a decisive signal to the West.
Is Putin waiting for Trump?
Has the risk of Russia using nuclear weapons actually increased? This question was answered by former high-ranking NATO official Dr. Jamie Shea.
– It's hard to say. With Putin, you never know. He warned the West on the day he invaded Ukraine in February 2022 not to help Ukraine, as otherwise, they would face severe Russian reprisals. However, this never happened. Russia has so far not reacted to the crossing of any of its red lines. Tanks, F-16s, long-range artillery, etc. By approving the new nuclear doctrine, Putin tells us he now has "nuclear authority" to respond to Ukraine or the West if he chooses to do so. He wants us to take Russia seriously – Shea said.
The former NATO official said, "Putin will decide whether circumstances require a nuclear response."
– I don't think he will decide to do it because he is waiting for Trump – he added. He assessed that "waving the nuclear option is a good way to scare and intimidate at all costs" to deter U.S. military support for Ukraine.
Referring to the possible reaction of the West to Russia's potential use of nuclear weapons, he noted: "It's hard to gauge since NATO countries do not publicly disclose how they would react to such actions. The Kremlin remains uncertain, which strengthens deterrence. But behind the scenes, work on contingency plans is always ongoing."
In response to Moscow's deployment of North Korean ground forces to the front, the administration of U.S. President Joe Biden has given the green light to Ukraine to use American weapons to strike targets deep inside Russia.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said yesterday that each Alliance member makes such decisions independently. Nonetheless, NATO has previously clearly stated that "when allies deliver weapons systems (to) Ukraine, it is best not to put restrictions on them (these systems)."
