NATO countries are preparing for the horror scenario of a Russian nuclear weapons deployment in Ukraine. Defense ministers of 29 of the 30 allies discussed recent developments and threats from Russian President Vladimir Putin at a secret meeting on Thursday. “It is very important that we take the threats very seriously and adapt accordingly,” said German Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht (SPD).
The participants did not provide specific information about the details of the meeting of the so-called nuclear planning group (NPG). According to Lambrecht, however, one can say that one is prepared. With the exception of France, all NATO countries were involved in the deliberations. The EU countries’ currently only nuclear power has relied on the principle of “nuclear independence” for decades and is therefore not a member of the nuclear planning group.
deterrence strategy
Public silence about possible NATO responses to a Russian use of nuclear weapons is also part of the deterrence strategy. For Russian President Putin, the risk of such a move must be kept incalculable. What is clear, however, is that the ultimate response would depend on exactly what Russia is doing.
How could NATO intervene against Russia?
Direct NATO intervention cannot be ruled out in the event of a Russian nuclear attack on major cities such as Kiev. If all allies agree, NATO could try to eliminate the Russian invasion forces militarily in Ukraine.
According to information from alliance circles, a massive cyber attack would be another option, for example to paralyze critical infrastructure such as power or communications. Such an approach is also considered conceivable if Russia were to target smaller tactical nuclear weapons against the Ukrainian armed forces.
To prevent the war from spreading into NATO territory, NATO is relying more aggressively on nuclear deterrence than it has for a long time. This week Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg gave advance information on the annual maneuver to defend Allied territory with nuclear weapons. The Steadfast Noon exercise was due to start next week.
air defense system
Another part of the increased deterrence and defense efforts is a project launched Thursday by Germany and 14 partner countries to build a better European air defense system. This should help close the existing gaps in the current NATO protective umbrella for Europe. There are shortages there, for example in the field of ballistic missiles, which reach great heights on their trajectory, but also in defense against drones and cruise missiles.
Will Putin Actually Use Nuclear Weapons?
Meanwhile, opinions within NATO differ on the likelihood of Russian nuclear weapons being used in Ukraine. NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg recently called Putin’s nuclear threats “dangerous and irresponsible” and stated that Russia had been informed that the use of nuclear weapons would have “serious consequences” for the country. At the same time, he stressed that NATO has not yet seen any changes in Russia’s nuclear strategy.
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.
