< p _ngcontent-sc90="" class="news-annotation">Russia could theoretically use nuclear weapons in a war against Ukraine. However, this will only accelerate their disintegration, and the Kremlin understands this.
Head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine Kyrylo Budanov stressed that this is more of a rhetorical question, since nuclear weapons are, first of all, a tool deterrence.
Nuclear weapons in any country in the world are a deterrent. In principle, this is not a weapon, but an instrument of strategic deterrence. Could they theoretically use nuclear weapons? Theoretically, they can, – said Budanov.
However, he emphasized that this would only accelerate the collapse of Russia, and, according to Budanov, the Kremlin knows and understands this.
“They are not all that stupid as we would like,” the chief intelligence officer added.< /p>
Nuclear exercises explained: what is happening in Russia and NATO
Budanov noted that now annual nuclear exercises continue in Russia, this year they are called “Thunder-2022”. They are taking place almost simultaneously with similar NATO exercises.
However, the climax of the “training” of Russia's strategic nuclear forces is scheduled immediately after the completion of the active phase of NATO exercises, with the sole purpose of showing that “we can do more,” Kirill Budanov explained.
So, according to the intelligence officer, during the exercises, Russia plans to launch from 3 nuclear submarine rocket carriers, launch hypersonic missile weapons, launch intercontinental ballistic missiles, launch the RS-28, as well as the use of strategic non-nuclear forces, strategic and long-range aircraft, Iskander ” , Caliber launches.
Help. On October 17, NATO's annual nuclear deterrence exercises called Steadfast Noon started in Europe. They will last until October 30th. Up to 60 aircraft of various types from 14 NATO countries, including American strategic bombers, will be involved.
Putin's nuclear threats in brief
- On September 21, Vladimir Putin once again threatened the world with nuclear weapons. He said that Russia is using all available means to “protect itself.” In his “speech”, the head of the Kremlin stressed that he was not bluffing.
- The Office of the President believes that other nuclear states should respond to Russia's likely actions in order to continue to deter the Kremlin from aggressive intentions.
- At a press conference at the UN, Sergei Lavrov began to threaten “nuclear doctrine”. He stated that all Russian laws and doctrines, including the nuclear one, would also apply to the territories of Ukraine “attached” through pseudo-referendums.
