Will Russia Use Nuclear Weapons: ISW Analyzes Putin's Statements

Will Russia Use Nuclear Weapons: ISW Analyzes Putin's Statements Margarita Voloshina

Putin's statements about the use of nuclear weapons are a deterrence tactic/Collage by Channel 24, illustrative photo

Russian dictator Vladimir Putin's statements regarding his intentions to use nuclear weapons are nothing more than an attempt to deter Western countries. This is not the first time Moscow has resorted to such measures.

Therefore, Russia is unlikely to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine or anywhere else in the world, according to a report by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).

Putin's statements about the use of nuclear weapons are a deterrent tactic

Analysts have cited the dictator's recent threats of a nuclear confrontation between Russia and Western countries as an attempt to tighten his grip on Western decision-making and to prevent Ukraine from using Western weapons to strike Russian territory.

ISW writes that Putin is likely seeking to breathe new life into the Kremlin's tired “nuclear saber” information operation and to cause a new wave of panic at a particularly critical moment in the political debate about Ukraine's ability to use Western-supplied weapons to strike Russian targets.

Kremlin officials have repeatedly made poorly veiled threats of a nuclear standoff between Russia and the West, particularly at key moments in Western political debates about further military aid Kyiv.

In addition, such tactics are being used during the current debate about Ukraine's right to use Western-provided systems to carry out long-range strikes against Russian military targets. The goal is to instill fear in decision makers.

Russia's nuclear saber-rattling is part of the Kremlin's efforts to help deter the West, and is not evidence of Russia's readiness to use nuclear weapons. Russia is unlikely to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine or anywhere else, ISW believes.

Recall that Putin announced changes to Russia's nuclear deterrence doctrine. The innovations include an expansion of the description of states and military alliances against which nuclear deterrence is possible, as well as an addition to the list of threats that could prompt a nuclear response.