Russia war-gamed using nuclear weapons against China, leaked docs say
Leaked documents from Russia are shedding light on Moscow’s strategy for using nuclear weaponry. The leaked documents also revealed new insights into the Kremlin’s relationship with China, showing that Russia had mapped out potential conflict scenarios with its southern neighbor.
The Financial Times obtained the allegedly classified Russian military documents. There were 29 leaked files dated from 2008 to 2014, making all off them at least 10 years old. Despite the age of the files, they still contain significant information from an intelligence perspective.
According to the Financial Times, the strategies outlined relate specifically to Russia using tactical nuclear weapons, which are designed to be used on the battlefield rather than Cold War-era mega bombs.
According to the documents, if Russia lost 20% of its ballistic missile submarine fleet — which is capable of firing nuclear cruise missiles — Moscow would consider firing tactical nukes at its enemies.
If Russia loses 30% of its nuclear-powered attack submarines or if several airfields go offline, Moscow may use tactical nukes.
However, Russia saying it would use nukes is not new. Russian state media has propaganda bragging about Moscow’s nuclear prowess. Since Vladimir Putin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, he has touted the country’s nuclear ability to the point that some military leaders and experts are questioning how serious Putin is about using the alleged weaponry.
The documents show Russia was war-gaming possible conflict scenarios with China, including laying out examples of when a first-strike tactical nuclear option would be viable.
If China launched a ground assault, Russia determined a tactical nuclear strike would be an appropriate response against a second wave of Chinese troops.
However, in the time since the leaked documents were written, Moscow and Beijing have grown close — especially since the war in Ukraine began.
Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping now have what they call a “no limits” friendship. China holds the upper hand in the two country’s relationship, and its leaders have spoken multiple times about the need to avoid nuclear conflict.
North Korea claims to test underwater nuclear-capable drone
North Korea claims to have tested a nuclear-capable underwater attack drone in response to a joint naval exercise by the United States, South Korea and Japan. North Korea continues to throw blame at its adversaries as tensions rise in the region. The country’s leader, Kim Jong Un, announced North Korea allegedly tested the new weapon on Friday, Jan. 19, 2024.
The drone is said to be designed to destroy naval vessels and ports. The alleged test came days after Kim said he was no longer pursuing his country’s long-standing goal of a peaceful reunification with South Korea. He declared that his country would rewrite the constitution to define South Korea as its most hostile foreign adversary.
Over the past few months, tensions have steadily risen, with Kim enhancing testing of his weapons and threatening nuclear conflict with his growing arsenal. The U.S. and its allies have responded to North Korea’s aggression by conducting show-of-strength military exercises, which Kim believes are a pretext for an invasion, per Associated Press reporting.
The underwater drone — which North Korea reportedly said was first tested last year — is among a growing range of weapon systems tested as Kim displays his arsenal of nuclear-capable weapons. However, South Korea’s military claims North Korea has exaggerated the drone’s capabilities.
North Korea said it tested the drone in the country’s eastern waters in response to a naval drill by the U.S., Japan and South Korea. The drill ended Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024, in the waters south of mainland South Korea and Jeju Island. North Korea did not say when the test of the underwater drone occurred.
“Our army’s underwater nuke-based countering posture is being further rounded off and its various maritime and underwater responsive actions will continue to deter the hostile military maneuvers of the navies of the U.S. and its allies,” North Korea’s Defense Ministry said in a statement.
“We strongly denounce the U.S. and its followers for their reckless acts of seriously threatening the security of [North Korea] from the outset of the year and sternly warn them of the catastrophic consequences to be entailed by them,” it said.
South Korea’s Defense Ministry condemned North Korea’s recent tests as a violation of U.N. Security Council’s resolutions and a threat to “peace in the Korean Peninsula and the world.” According to the Associated Press, the ministry said in a statement that the U.S. and South Korean militaries are maintaining a firm defense posture against possible North Korean provocations.
North Korea has reportedly tested various missile systems believed to be designed to target the United States and its Asian allies. North Korea also announced renewed efforts to build up its nuclear weapon stockpile, which includes a new nuclear doctrine that authorizes the military to conduct preemptive nuclear strikes if North Korean leadership is perceived to be under threat.
During an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council on Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024, South Korean officials urged the council “to break the silence” over North Korea’s increased missile tests and threats. Russia and China have blocked recent U.S.-led efforts to increase sanctions on North Korea over its weapons tests, as a deep divide remains over Russia’s war in Ukraine. Both Russia and China are permanent members of the U.N. Security Council, while South Korea is serving a two-year term on the council.
US military completes several nuclear weapons tests from sea and air
The USS Louisiana is out of the shop and ready to return to work patrolling the seas for the United States Navy. There’s no better way for the crew of an Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine to prove their worth than with a test launch of their most valuable weapon, the Trident II.
The test launch had been previously scheduled, and was not meant as a message to any particular country. Launches like this are part of what the Navy calls a Demonstration and Shakedown Operation (DASO). During DASO 32, the Trident II missile the Louisiana launched was just a test munition, meaning it wasn’t armed. It was the 191st successful launch of the Trident, proving the unmatched reliability of the weapon system.
The Louisiana and other nuclear-armed submarines make up part of what’s called the nuclear triad. It’s a layered approach that the United States uses to project power globally, and hopefully to keep enemies in check.
The sea-based leg of the triad accounts for around 70% of U.S.-deployed strategic nuclear weapons. The Air Force takes care of the other two legs of the triad, which include land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles and long-range strategic bombers, like the B-52 Stratofortress.
B-52s first started flying in the 1950s, but they’ve been upgraded multiple times since then. The latest variant under development is the B-52J. Its new kit includes an upgraded radar system to better track air and ground targets. The new B-52J will rely on eight new Rolls Royce engines to achieve flight.
The Air Force’s modernization of the nation’s nuclear bomber fleet doesn’t stop at just the planes, though. Now, USAF’s nuclear-capable cruise missiles are getting an upgrade, too.
A newly released report from the Pentagon shows the Air Force and Defense contractor RTX completed at least nine tests of the new, and still mostly classified, Long-Range Standoff missile. AirandSpaceForcesMagazine broke the story.
Images of the new LRSO aren’t publicly available, but it is known that the missile successfully performed the basic tasks of a cruise missile: separating from the plane, powering up, arming, and then flying to a designated target.
According to the Selected Acquisition Reports for 2022, which was just released in September, “the first full-system integrated test demonstrating design, manufacturing, and navigation maturing” was completed in October, 2022 by RTX and the USAF. The B-52 was the test platform of choice.
The LRSO will replace the AGM-86B Air-Launched Cruise Missile. The B-52 will be the first U.S. bomber to carry the weapon. The B-21 Raider will also carry LRSO missiles. The B-21 is the newest stealth bomber to join the triad. Aside from a handful of images, there isn’t much known about the bomber.
It’s reasonable to assume, like the B-21, the new LRSO will be stealthier than its predecessor. It’s also reasonable to assume that it will be able to communicate with the plane that launched it, and other assets in the battlespace, to sense and potentially avoid threats as necessary.
These capabilities already exist in conventional cruise missiles, but putting them on a nuclear device sends a clear message to would-be enemies: Don’t.
Georgia grand jury report to be released: The Morning Rundown Sept. 8, 2023
The Georgia special grand jury investigating the 2020 election will release their report, and a viral internet challenge turns deadly. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Friday, Sept. 8, 2023.
Georgia special grand jury report to be released
The special grand jury report in Georgia that ultimately led to an indictment of former President Donald Trump is expected to be released Friday. The grand jury spent seven months, heard from 75 witnesses and closed their investigation in December.
Their job was to compile any recommendations regarding potential charges and give those to Georgia prosecutors. Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis used report to indict former President Trump and 18 others on charges related to the 2020 presidential election in the state.
North Korea unveils nuclear-armed submarine
North Korea announced Friday it has launched its first “tactical nuclear attack submarine.” Leader Kim Jong Un said the submarine will be one of the main “underwater offensive means” of the North Korean Navy.
The submarine has been assigned to the fleet that patrols the waters between the Korean peninsula and Japan. It has 10 launch tube hatches, most likely armed with ballistic and cruise missiles.
A former U.S. government weapons expert told Reuters the submarine won’t add much value to North Korea’s more robust, land-based nuclear forces. He said it is based on an aging submarine model that is relatively noisy, slow and has limited range.
South Korea’s military said the submarine did not appear to be read for normal operations, adding that there were signs the North was attempting to exaggerate it capabilities.
17 arrested in Cuba human trafficking ring
Cuban authorities have arrested 17 people in connection to an alleged human trafficking ring. The goal of the ring was to lure young Cuban men to fight for Russia in its war with Ukraine.
According to authorities, the group’s “internal organizer” was one of the 17 arrested. The leader relied on two people living in Cuba to handle the recruiting. Charges the group members are facing include:
Human trafficking
Fighting as a mercenary
Hostile action against a foreign state.
Potential sentences from these charges range from up to 30 years in prison to the death penalty.
Despite its close ties to Russia, Cuba has maintained that it has no part in the war in Ukraine. Cuba said it rejects the use of its citizens as mercenaries.
CIA releases Russian spy recruitment video
The CIA has renewed its push to recruit Russians to become spies against their own government. The agency posted a video in Russian on social media on Thursday, Sept. 7.
In the video, the CIA made an appeal to tell the truth about a system the agency has said is riddled with lying sycophants. In July of 2023, CIA Director William Burns said dissatisfaction from some Russians over the war had created a rare opportunity to recruit spies.
‘One Chip Challenge’ pulled from shelves after teen’s death
Paqui has pulled its “One Chip Challenge” spicy tortilla chip from store shelves. Last week, 14-year-old Harris Wolobah of Massachusetts died after taking the challenge.
Wolobah ate the chip at school, went to the nurse complaining of a stomach ache and passed out at home before being pronounced dead at the hospital. A report is pending on the official cause of death.
In a statement, the company said the chip is intended for adults only, adding that it’s “not for children or anyone sensitive to spicy foods or who has food allergies, is pregnant or other underlying health conditions.”
One year since the death of Queen Elizabeth II
The royal family honored the late Queen Elizabeth II and her 70-year reign on the first anniversary of her death Friday. King Charles III released a statement saying he is remembering his mother’s “long life, devoted to service.”
Charles and Queen Consort Camilla will mark the first anniversary of Queen Elizabeth’s death privately at Balmoral Castle. She was 96 years old.
What happens if Russia uses nuclear weapons in Ukraine?
For more than two decades, Vladimir Putin hasn’t just led Russia, he’s pushed out any who would oppose him. Many believe it’s why he invaded Ukraine, and why he never goes too long without rattling the saber.
“I think what Putin is doing, is he’s trying to, with the limited resources he has, but with the nuclear weapons he has, make sure that Russia is always at the center of attention, because that gives him power. And he does it by scaring people. And he does it through nuclear blackmail,” said Dr. Tyler White, director of the National Security Program at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Straight Arrow News interviewed Dr. White previously about how and why Russia might use nuclear weapons, but then wanted to know what a Western response to those potential attacks would look like.
Access the previous report in our series on nuclear weapons and the Ukraine War below:
If Putin gave the order to deploy a nuclear weapon, what would happen next?
Democracies fight angry. Having a bunch of democracies on board, I think, makes a force that no other no other country can counter.
Dr. Tyler White, director of National Security Program at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln
“In political science, we have this sort of term gambling for resurrection, right? What happens when all the chips are down, and you need a big move to try to change your situation?” White said. “So, if he’s looking at what could be a resounding defeat, does he use nuclear weapons as a way of trying to gamble for resurrection, right? To try to turn the tide in a really, really important way, particularly if he feels his own personal future is at stake, right? And I think, to him, that’s way more important than what happens to Russia.”
White said any Western response to Russia using nukes would be a coordinated effort through NATO, the military alliance comprised of more than 30 European nations and the U.S.
“I don’t think we think about this enough, NATO is special,” White said. “NATO is really special, and the way the United States locks itself into NATO, to defend a whole bunch of other countries, that’s special. That’s special in history. And so, you know, it gives us a tremendous amount of power, though. Because people, once you have them on board and they agree with the decision, you know, as someone once said, ‘democracies fight angry.’ Having a bunch of democracies on board, I think, makes a force that no other no other country can encounter.”
The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR), an American think tank, said there are three scenarios that could lead to Russia resorting to nukes in Ukraine: as a signaling device, as a battlefield weapon, and as a weapon of terror.
NATO’s response to Russia using nukes depends on the scenario.
If Russia decides to detonate a nuke as a signaling device, it could come in the form of a test at a remote location, where casualties would be low and the nuclear fallout limited.
“So, he could find a target like Snake Island or something like that and detonate a nuclear weapon there. He’s not going to kill very many people. But he’s going to demonstrate, ‘Hey, I just broke the nuclear taboo and I’m willing to use these weapons. Your move,’ right?”
White and the CFR agree Russia detonating a nuke to remind the world it still has nuclear weapons would probably not generate an overwhelming military response from NATO, other than the standard finger-wagging that typically accompanies nuclear weapons testing.
It could, however, damage Russia’s relations with China. Putin is more dependent on China than ever as Western sanctions cripple Russia’s economy and further isolate it on the world stage.
Under the second scenario, Putin may deploy tactical nuclear weapons during a battle inside of Ukraine. Straight Arrow News has covered these weapons before: tactical nukes are powerful enough to destroy cities, but they’re more precise than ballistic missiles, designed for use on battlefields where militaries want to create maximum effect with minimal material.
The CFR said Putin may decide to deploy tactical nukes against energy infrastructure targets to weaken Ukraine’s will to fight.
“He could also use them on the battlefield to destroy formations, right?” White said. “He could try to wipe out a Ukrainian, you know, offensive or something like that. And that would deal a significant military blow to the Ukrainians, but also again, breaks the nuclear taboo.”
Russia using tactical nukes would further fracture its relationship with China, potentially pushing the “friendship without limits” to the brink of collapse.
As far as how the U.S. and NATO would respond, the public policy is purposefully ambiguous. President Joe Biden said any use of nukes in Ukraine, on any scale, would be unacceptable and would entail severe consequences. The ambiguity in the policy allows for a range of responses, again, depending on how Russia detonates its bombs.
If Russia uses tactical nukes in Ukraine, at the very least Western weapons shipments and humanitarian aid would skyrocket. Whatever economic sanctions haven’t been imposed yet probably would be, and Russia would cement its status as a diplomatic pariah on the world stage.
“Putin is constantly calculating, you know, what is my exit strategy? What does it look like? What can I live with? What’s acceptable?” White said. “But he’s not the only person who gets to make that decision, right? I mean, reality in this case has a vote as well. I think what we worry about is that he will come to the conclusion that this is his best option. But again, there are some significant issues for him to do that.”
The third scenario for Russia, is deploying nukes as weapons of terror. It’s the scariest scenario, and thankfully, the least likely. However, Russia targets civilians with conventional weapons routinely, so it’s not impossible to rule out Putin giving the order to launch a strategic nuclear weapon at civilian targets like a city.
Such a strike could be hundreds of times more powerful than a tactical nuclear weapon and would be designed to destroy Ukrainian resolve. But even a Russian nuclear strike in Ukraine may not elicit a nuclear response from NATO.
“We have conventional capabilities,” White explained, “that could target very specific capabilities inside of Russia, inside of Belarus, wherever the missile came from, as a way of saying, you know, ‘you can’t do that, but we’re not going to escalate using a nuclear weapon right now,’ right? So, that keeps the onus on the Russians. Now, they’re going to have to do it twice, right? Which means that whatever hole they’ve been digging is now deeper.”
When thinking of nuclear escalation as a ladder, Russia’s use of strategic nuclear weapons outside of its borders is the top rung. It’s the situation everyone wants to avoid, and the one Putin and his cronies like to threaten the most. It’s also absolutely the least likely scenario, mainly because it would be the end of Russia.
With conventional weapons alone, the U.S. and NATO could strike key Russian targets anywhere on the globe within one hour. Russian military bases, installations and leadership centers would be fair game along with whatever air, land, or sea assets Russia has deployed outside of its borders.
Also, China, the only Russian ally with any real military might, would no doubt cut ties leaving Vladimir Putin alone. The leader of a failed state.
However unlikely that scenario is, unfortunately, it’s still not impossible. Also, there’s no guarantee someone more menacing than Putin doesn’t rise to power.
When it comes to nuclear weapons, you want to do everything you can to try to mitigate that risk,” White said. “It’s a fine balance, because sometimes your notion of trying to mitigate risk to you looks completely rational, and to them, it looks incredibly provocative, right?”
White said figuring out the right response to nuclear weapons is the trickiest puzzle there is, because you’re communicating with force. You want your message to be received and followed, but you can’t control your adversary’s response.
Reuters contributed to this report.
How, why Russia might use nuclear weapons in Ukraine
From the start of the invasion in Ukraine, the threat of nuclear weapons has loomed large on the battlefield. Russian President Vladimir Putin regularly says the use of tactical nukes is very much on the table. President Biden said those threats are very real, but what does that mean?
Nuclear arsenals
Nine countries around the world have nuclear weapons at their disposal, and the exact numbers are a closely guarded secret. However, it is known the United States and Russia have the most, with Russia beating out the U.S. by about 500 warheads.
Of course, just like the U.S., not every nuclear bomb in Russia’s arsenal is ready to use. Most are in storage, and some are being decommissioned. The Russians have about 1,600 deployed warheads of various sizes, very similar to the U.S.
Those warheads have come a long way in their potential for devastation since the U.S. dropped bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
It’s important to understand the impact of nuclear weapons is measured in terms of kilotons or megatons. A one kiloton bomb has the same destructive power as 1,000 tons of TNT. 1,000 kilotons equal one megaton.
The bombs used in World War II had a strength of about 15 kilotons. The largest nuclear bomb ever detonated, Tsar Bomba in the 1960s, had a 50-megaton yield.
Today, most U.S. nukes have an explosive yield around 300 kilotons while Russian nukes typically range from 50-100 kilotons on the low end and 500-800 kilotons on the high end. But there are larger weapons in both countries’ stockpiles.
“Nuclear weapons are actually used every day,” said Dr. Tyler White, the director of the National Security Program at University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
“So, every single day, we have a nuclear deterrent that we use, and we use that to assure our allies that we will take care of them and defend them. And we assure our adversaries that if they do something, we will, you know, respond in kind.”
Types of nuclear devices: strategic and tactical
Strategic weapons are usually what is thought of when it comes to nuclear warheads. They tend to be larger and are delivered by things like intercontinental ballistic missiles, cruise missiles launched from submarines, or guided bombs dropped from planes.
Russia’s newest strategic weapon is the Poseidon torpedo. The length of a tennis court, it’s meant to be detonated underwater, producing radioactive tsunamis.
A Russian propagandist claimed the Poseidon could wipe out the British Isles with a 500-meter-tall radioactive wave, a claim most in the West dispute as outlandish.
Tactical nukes are harder to define. They can have yields between five and 50 kilotons, enough to destroy cities, and are designed to be used on the battlefield.
“When you’re thinking about how these things could be used, you got to think about the strategy, and there might be a couple of different things that Putin could do,” White said. “Thing number one is he could use it as a signaling device, right? So, he could find a target like Snake Island or something like that and detonate a nuclear weapon there. He’s not going to kill very many people. But he’s going to demonstrate, ‘Hey, I just broke the nuclear taboo and I’m willing to use these weapons. Your move,’ right? He could also use them on the battlefield to destroy formations, right? He could try to wipe out a Ukrainian, you know, offensive or something like that. And that would deal a significant military blow to the Ukrainians, but also again, breaks the nuclear taboo.”
So that’s how Putin might use nukes in Ukraine. As far as the why; if Russian troops continue facing setbacks on the battlefield and Putin is backed into a corner, the consensus is he may decide to launch a nuclear strike to stave off defeat and save himself from being thrown out of office.
“I think Putin is Russia, right? And Russia is Putin. And that’s the way he wants it to be,” White said. “In political science, we have this sort of term ‘gambling for resurrection.’ What happens when all the chips are down, and you need a big move to try to change your situation?”
“And so, you know, if he’s looking at what could be a resounding defeat, does he use nuclear weapons as a way of trying to gamble for resurrection, right? To try to turn the tide in a really, really important way? Particularly if he feels his own personal future is at stake, right? And I think, to him, that’s way more important than what happens to Russia,” White said.
Most experts agree the odds of Putin using nukes in Ukraine are low, but they aren’t zero. It’s why the U.S and other Western allies have been so cautious in arming Ukraine, and why they’ll continue to be.
So, what would happen if Putin were to authorize a nuclear strike in Ukraine or elsewhere? Well, it’s likely the United States, as the military leader of NATO, already has several responses ready to go. However, the response would be dependent on how and where Russia attacked.
Access the next report in our series on nuclear weapons and the Ukraine War below:
Russia stops sharing nuclear and test launch information with US
If sharing is caring, Russia could not care less about the United States. On March 29, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said Moscow was halting all information exchanges with Washington.
Russia already said it was pulling out of the new START treaty. It was the last arms control pact between the U.S. and Russia. The decision meant Russia stopped sharing basic information about its nuclear weapons program with the U.S., like how many warheads it had and their condition.
tit-for tat after putin’s new start treaty suspension
Moscow justified the withdrawal from the START treaty by saying it couldn’t accept the agreement at a time when Washington and its NATO allies have openly declared Russia’s defeat in Ukraine as their goal. The U.S. originally offered to continue providing information about its own nuclear weapons to Russia even after President Vladimir Putin suspended his country’s participation in the treaty. The U.S. has since stopped sharing that information as well.
Ryabkov’s latest announcement now means Russia won’t even give the U.S. a “heads up” before test launching missiles. Such advanced notices were an essential part of maintaining strategic stability for decades. Without advanced warnings, the possibility of mistaking a test launch for an actual attack increases.
Western intelligence officials said Russia ending all information exchanges with the U.S. is another attempt to put pressure on the West and end its support for Ukraine. The announcement also comes just a few days after Putin said he would be deploying tactical nuclear weapons to Belarus.
Ryabkov announced Russia’s new policy decision as its military kicked off new drills in Siberia. The Russian Ministry of Defense said Yars mobile missile launchers are deploying to three regions in the Russian province. The Yars is the backbone of Russia’s strategic missile forces. It’s a nuclear-tipped intercontinental ballistic missile with a range of about 6800 miles. Ryabkov, of course, didn’t say if the Yars drills included any test launches.
Tactical nuclear weapons: what they are, why Russia is deploying them
For the first time since the fall of the Soviet Union, Russian tactical nuclear weapons are being deployed outside the country’s borders. Russian President Vladimir Putin said he’s deploying the weapons because the U.K. gave armor-piercing shells containing depleted uranium to Ukraine.
Russian President Putin has announced today that they will soon begin Deploying a number of Tactical-Nuclear Weapons into the Territory of Belarus; these Weapons will most likely be launched from 9K720 Iskander Missile Systems. pic.twitter.com/VuszqeQAhk
Most people are familiar with strategic nuclear weapons: large devices with massive payloads designed to wipe out entire cities. There is still a debate about how exactly to define tactical nuclear weapons (TNWs). It’s generally accepted TNWs are used for specific tactical gains on the battlefield.
TNWs are designed to destroy enemy troops, weapons and equipment. They generally have a shorter range and much lower yield than strategic nuclear weapons.
Many of Russia’s weapons delivery systems can be used to launch both conventional payloads and tactical nukes. So, Russia can use its Iskander mobile short-range ballistic missile system to deliver a tactical nuclear strike, as well as a torpedo from a submarine, or a missile launched from a fighter jet.
Russia and Belarus have strong military ties. The president of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, allowed Putin to stage Russian troops in Belarus before the invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Putin said Saturday, March 25, Lukashenko has been asking for some time for Russia to deploy nuclear weapons on Belarusian soil.
#Belarus: Armed Forces of Belarus completed the formation of a new S-300PS anti-aircraft missile regiment.
The regiment has been deployed on the territory of a military airfield in Luninets, Brest Region, approx. 50km from the border with Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/xletvdlOFx
Belarus already has Iskander launchers from Russia, and the Russian Ministry of Defense said 10 Belarusian fighter jets had already been upgraded to carry tactical nuclear payloads.
When the USSR fell apart in 1991, Russia had around 22,000 tactical nukes. Today, that number is believed to be closer to 2,000, which is still 10 times as many as the U.S.
Russia threatening the use of nuclear weapons isn’t anything the world hasn’t heard before. The nuclear saber rattling has been consistent throughout the war in Ukraine, which is one reason why the U.S. said it isn’t changing its nuclear posture regarding Putin’s announcement.
It may be a different story in China, though. Just four days before Putin announced he would put nukes in Belarus, he signed a declaration with Chinese leader Xi Jinping that said a nuclear war must never take place, and that there are no winners in a nuclear conflict.
Both Putin and Lukashenko humiliated Xi . Remember, Luka was just treated to a fancy state visit to China. Xi just came to Moscow. Can’t imagine this decision is going down well in Beijing. https://t.co/lyGx93PeDJ
Former U.S. ambassador to Russia, Michael McFaul, said Russia and Belarus humiliated Xi Jinping. Now, the world waits to see how that humiliation will manifest.