Putin’s Threats Go Nuclear Again

Feeling increasingly alienated by a world upset with Russia’s unprovoked attack in Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin is again threatening the West with nuclear war.

Russian state media recently declared that nuclear war appears to be “a given” and “everyone will be destroyed” if the West “pushes us into a corner.”

One Russian commentator said, “The West has to understand: if certain weapons exist, taboos and limitations on using them could be lifted in certain circumstances.”

Other Russian commentators claim their country is the victim of Western aggression. One said, “We will not allow the destruction of our country. If you’re trying to destroy us, you will be destroyed along with us.

“What should we do to avoid the nuclear war, or is it already a given? It certainly seems that way. If they don’t stop it will become a reality.”

Continuation and Escalation

This type of talk is a continuation and escalation of nuclear rhetoric Putin began months ago when the U.S. and other countries started imposing sanctions on Russia for its invasion. He put Russia’s nuclear forces on “special” alert following those sanctions.

Julia Davis is a Russian media analyst. She recently tweeted, “There was palpable frustration in the Russian media that many in the West misunderstood what Putin said – he was threatening the West, not Ukraine, with nuclear strikes.

“And so droves of propagandists have been sent out to tell the West: push us into a corner and everybody dies.”

In a recent address to his nation, Putin pledged to use “all means” at his disposal to protect Russia’s territory.

‘The Tables Can Turn on Them’

Saying, “I’m not bluffing,” Putin confirmed plans to call up reservists “to defend our motherland.” 

He then claimed there are “plans in Washington and Brussels to move the military action onto Russian territory.” 

Putin added, “Those trying to blackmail us with nuclear weapons should know that the tables can turn on them.” 

Military experts believe Putin is trying to rally support at home after his “special military operation” in Ukraine has gone so badly in recent weeks.

Is Putin’s Threat Sincere?

Gillian Keegan is the British Foreign Office Minister. She said, “(Putin) is continuing to completely misrepresent what is happening in Ukraine. 

“It is Russia’s illegal war and of course we will still stand by Ukraine, as will all of our NATO allies.”

So, is Putin merely saber rattling? Or is he seriously considering using nuclear weapons as his nation’s economy continues to suffer under Western sanctions? There are varying opinions among military experts. 

Keegan said, “It’s something that we should take very seriously because… we’re not in control. I’m not sure he’s in control either really.” 

‘A Tyrant with a Tyrant’s Behavior’

Nigel Gould-Davies is a senior fellow for Russia and Eurasia at the International Institute for Strategic Studies. He said, “The probability that Russia would use nuclear weapons has always been low. But it is higher than it was because there are fewer alternatives. That does not mean it’s likely because it’s not costless.” 

UK Defense Minister James Heappey called Putin’s threat “nuclear saber-rattling” with the aim of driving a wedge in the Western alliance. 

But former Defense Minister Liam Fox said, “We have miscalculated with Putin before. We can’t afford to miscalculate again. He is a tyrant with a tyrant’s behavior.”

Parliament member Bob Seely said, “We have to assume that he may well use them so that we can plan. To say he is bluffing means that we don’t have a plan.” 

Biden Warns Russian Leader

In private conversations, the U.S. government has warned the Kremlin of consequences should Russia use nuclear weapons in its war with Ukraine. 

Employing what’s known as “strategic ambiguity,” American officials have been purposefully vague about what those consequences would be. 

When asked in an interview on CBS’ 60 Minutes what message he would like to send to Putin regarding the use of nuclear weapons in Ukraine, here’s what President Joe Biden recently said. “Don’t. Don’t. Don’t. You will change the face of war unlike anything since World War II.”

Ukrainian General Valeriy Zaluzhnyi and Lt. General Mykhailo Zabrodskyi have encouraged Western allies to use their “entire arsenal of means” to prevent the possibility of nuclear war. 

A “Stay Connected” Solution That’s Smarter Than a Cellphone

The odds are against nuclear war occurring – both in Ukraine and in the West. Hopefully cooler heads will prevail. 

But any kind of war can do damage to the electrical grid and cell phone towers. We need to put ourselves in a position to communicate with family and friends no matter what happens. 

A great way to do that is with walkie-talkies. When a cell tower goes down and the Internet doesn’t work, you can still communicate. The Talk-N-Go Rechargeable Walkie Talkies from 4Patriots are my recommendation. And they’re finally back in stock.  

They’re rechargeable and never need batteries. With 16 different channels to avoid interference & a privacy mode to block out lurking ears.

Easy to use and a potential lifesaver, Talk-N-Go Rechargeable Walkie Talkies are even smaller than a cellphone. 

>> Learn more about them here