A video circulating on social media reportedly shows a massive Russian freight convoy carrying nuclear equipment towards the Ukrainian frontline. The video aired Sunday on a pro-Moscow Telegram channel called Rybar.
The video has sparked fears that Russia will test its nuclear torpedo drone, the Poseidon, which has been called the “weapon of the apocalypse.”
NATO warned members and allies that President Vladimir Putin intends to launch the Poseidon over the weekend.
Putin’s nuclear threats have grown recently. He has warned NATO and its allies not to further invade what he claimed is Russian territory after the illegal annexation of four Ukrainian regions. He said, “we will certainly make use of all weapon systems available to us. This is not a bluff.”
The nuclear convoy parade could signal Putin’s desire to escalate the war, as Ukraine is about to get more backing from the U.S.
On Monday, the Biden administration told Reuters that its next $625 million assistance package for Ukraine will include four High Mobility Artillery Rocket System launchers, munitions, mines and mine-resistant vehicles. That package is expected to be announced soon.
In the meantime, Ukraine’s path to NATO membership continues to be rocky. Sunday, nine European NATO members issued a joint statement backing membership for Ukraine. But membership needs approval from all 30 NATO members, and Ukraine is unlikely to join anytime soon since being at war complicates the request.
