Why will President Putin not use nuclear weapons?

On April 27, President Putin warned that if any country interferes in Ukraine, Russia will respond “quickly and quickly”.

The warning was echoed by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who said the threat of nuclear war “should not be underestimated”. In an interview with Russian state media about the possibility of a nuclear conflict, Mr. Lavrov said: “This is a real danger. Countries should not take it lightly.”

The harsh words come as the Russian military tries to make progress in its campaign in Ukraine.

However, Mark Voyger, a senior fellow with the Transatlantic Security and Defense Program at the Center for Analysis of Europe, does not believe in the risk of a nuclear attack by the UK or the US by Russia.

He told Express.co.uk: “Personally, I don’t believe that Russia will launch a strategic nuclear attack on the US or the UK. Why is that? First, if they really want to do so then… Besides, Britain has strategic nuclear missiles, submarines…, so does the US, and in sufficient quantity to burn Russia down, so the question is whether Mr. Putin is with the country. Is Russia ready to risk pushing everyone into a war with no certainty of victory?”

“A global nuclear war would mean the end of humanity,” he insisted.

Mr. Voyger explained that President Putin wants to win the war in Ukraine, push NATO beyond Russia’s borders and threaten the West. But in reality, his number one strategic goal was to rebuild a “Soviet 2.0”.

“If Mr. Putin starts a global nuclear war then this dream will definitely fall because Russia will also burn down, so I don’t think he’s ready to do that,” Voyger added. .

Mr. Voyger said Russia has watched Western attitudes for many years and knows that the prospect of war is extremely difficult – especially a pan-European war or a nuclear conflict.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and US President Joe Biden have largely dismissed Russia’s “threats” of nuclear war, with Britain calling on Western allies to “double down” on their support for the nuclear war. with Ukraine.

Earlier this week, President Biden said it was “irresponsible” for Mr. Putin to continue making “pointless” comments about nuclear war.

Meanwhile, British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace said he was “not confused” by Putin’s statements because NATO forces were “outnumbered” by Russia.

Mr. Voyger concluded: “We have sent very strong messages to the Kremlin. Prime Minister Johnson and President Biden have stated that any move from Russia will bring about a strong response from the West. Moscow. understand that we are not afraid!”