Former CIA director and retired four-star general David Petraeus vividly described on Sunday what the US response to a Russian use of nuclear weapons might look like: “We would work with our allies to destroy Russian troops and their equipment in Ukraine — and the whole Black Sea Fleet.”
Petraeus, who had gained wide recognition as commander in chief in Afghanistan and Iraq, explained that “it’s not something you want to get into, but you have to show that it’s absolutely not acceptable.”
Since Ukraine is not a NATO member, it wouldn’t be an Article 5 alliance matter, but Petraeus says it’s likely justifiable, if only “because it’s so terrible that there must be an answer”.
However, Petraeus did not coordinate his position with National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, as quoted by Britain’s Guardian.
Threats should be taken seriously
“You have to take the threats seriously,” warned the experienced ex-general. On Friday, Sullivan also warned that given Russian President Vladimir Putin’s “nuclear saber chatter” there was a “risk” that the Kremlin chief would consider such an attack.
At the moment “we see no evidence of an imminent use of nuclear weapons,” added US President Joe Biden’s top security adviser.
Fear of using nuclear weapons
There are fears in the West that Putin will resort to nuclear weapons in the face of serious military setbacks in Ukraine. The Russian president has repeatedly threatened to use nuclear weapons. The US government has warned Putin against such a move, both publicly and through direct channels between Washington and Moscow.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
