Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Moscow has been ramping up its nuclear force and has issued a series of not-so-subtle hints that trying to defeat a nuclear power like Russia could have disastrous consequences for those who try.
Today President Putin claimed that Russia does not need to use nuclear weapons to achieve victory in Ukraine.
He was interviewed during a panel discussion at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum: an annual event often referred to as the “Russian Davos”.
Mr Putin rarely appears dovish compared to his questioner.
But when the person asking the question is Sergey Karaganov, it’s hard not to ask. Karaganov is a hawkish Russian foreign policy expert. Last year he called for a pre-emptive nuclear strike. Today, he suggested raising a “nuclear pistol” against the West on the Ukraine issue.
President Putin’s language was not that extreme.
But he is no pigeon.
The Kremlin leader said he would not rule out revising Russia’s nuclear doctrine: the document that sets out the conditions for Russia’s use of nuclear weapons.
“This doctrine is a living tool and we are carefully observing what is happening in the world around us and do not rule out changes to the doctrine. This is also related to nuclear weapons testing.
He also issued a warning to those European countries that have been supporting Ukraine: Russia “has more to come” [tactical nuclear weapons] More than there are in continental Europe, even if America brought theirs over.
“Europe has no developed [early warning system],” he added. “In that sense, they are more or less defenseless. “
Tactical nuclear weapons are smaller warheads designed to destroy targets without producing widespread radioactive fallout.
It’s been a surreal week in St. Petersburg. On the one hand, a large international economic forum is being held, sending the message that Russia is ready to cooperate, but nevertheless, it is business as usual.
But clearly, things are not business as usual. Russia is waging a war in Ukraine, which is now entering its third year; as a result, Russia has become the most sanctioned country in the world.
Currently, tensions between Russia and the West are rising.
Earlier this week, President Putin said at a meeting with the heads of international news agencies in St. Petersburg that Russia may provide other countries with advanced conventional long-range weapons to strike Western targets.
This was his response to NATO allies allowing Ukraine to use Western-supplied weapons to attack Russian territory.
Today he repeated the idea.
“We have not yet provided these weapons, but we reserve the right to provide them to countries or legal entities that are subject to certain pressures, including military pressure from countries that provide weapons to Ukraine and encourage their use on Russian territory.”
No details available. no name.
So, where in the world might Russia deploy missiles?
“We will definitely put them wherever we think it is necessary. As President Putin made it clear, we will look into this issue,” Vladimir Solovy, one of the most famous presenters of Russian state television Joff told me.
“If you want to hurt us, you have to be very sure that we have enough access and opportunity to hurt you.”
“Some people in the West would say we’ve heard this kind of saber-rattling before,” I replied, “and it’s a bluff.”
“It’s always a bluff. Until it isn’t anymore,” Mr. Solovyov replied. “You can keep thinking Russia is bluffing, and then one day Britain is no longer worth laughing at. You should never try to push the Russian bear, thinking: ‘Oh, this is a kitten, we can play with it. . “
