Brussels (The Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The European Union firmly rejected Putin’s ‘Reckless’ Nuclear weapon threat.
The European Union firmly denied Russian President Vladimir Putin’s announcement concerning the expansion of Russia’s nuclear doctrine in reaction to a massive air attack on Russia, terming it as “reckless and irresponsible.” Earlier, Putin declared an updated nuclear doctrine that would permit the use of nuclear weapons against non-nuclear states when they are backed by nuclear powers — a clear reference to Ukraine and its Western partners.
What is the reaction of the EU to Putin?
During a press briefing, EU foreign policy spokesman Peter Stano highlighted the seriousness of Putin’s threats. “Not for the first time, Putin is playing a gamble with his nuclear arsenal. We of course strongly reject these threats,” he said.
Stano condemned Putin’s actions as part of a broader pattern of “irresponsible and unacceptable conduct” shown by the Russian leader, especially as many world leaders called for the United Nations General Assembly in New York. He pointed out that such nuclear sabre-rattling is especially alarming coming from the leader of a permanent member of the UN Security Council.
What implications does Putin’s nuclear threat hold for Europe?
Putin’s revised nuclear policy allows for a nuclear response to non-nuclear states, which he claims could include Ukraine if it obtains backing from its Western allies. This announcement overlapped with Ukraine’s calls for long-range weaponry from its partners to target critical Russian military infrastructure, including airfields that are used for launching assaults on Ukrainian territory. However, the United States and other Western nations remain alert, and wary of activities that could escalate the conflict further.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov termed the shifts to Russia’s nuclear doctrine as a “specific signal” to the West. This statement supports the perception that Russia views its nuclear capabilities as a means of deterrence amid increasing military support for Ukraine from Western nations.
How could nuclear escalation impact the ongoing conflict?
The ongoing situation presents alarm bells in Western capitals, where officials have blamed Putin for engaging in nuclear blackmail throughout the protracted Ukraine conflict. The possibility of nuclear weapons being employed to any degree has heightened fears of escalation. Putin specified that Russia may react with nuclear force if it faces aggression from non-nuclear states that are supported by nuclear-armed nations. This includes scenarios where Russia experiences a tremendous attack utilizing strategic or tactical aircraft, cruise missiles, or drones, as well as any aggression led toward Belarus, an ally of Russia.
