Ukraine’s Security Chief Warns of Putin’s Nuclear Threat

In a recent interview with The Times, Oleksandr Lytvynenko, Secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council, warned that Vladimir Putin might consider using tactical nuclear weapons if Russia faces a catastrophic defeat in the ongoing war with Ukraine.

Lytvynenko stated that if Russia is on the brink of a strategic defeat, which could lead to mass desertions and protests in Moscow, Putin may resort to using non-strategic nuclear weapons designed for battlefield use. However, the use of strategic nuclear weapons, which could lead to a third world war, has been ruled out.

The possibility of nuclear escalation has become more pressing as Ukraine’s Western allies have authorized the country to use their weapons against Russian military targets. This shift in policy, along with France sending troops to train Ukrainian forces, has raised concerns about potential nuclear retaliation.