In a significant escalation of rhetoric, President Vladimir Putin has issued a stark nuclear warning to Western nations, particularly in response to a potential “massive” air attack on Russia, including the use of cruise missiles supplied to Ukraine by the United Kingdom. The warning came after an urgent meeting of Moscow’s top security council, where the focus was on the country’s nuclear deterrence strategy.
Putin’s remarks followed increased concerns in Russia about Western powers, especially the UK and the US, enabling Ukraine to utilize cruise missiles against Russian targets. Reports suggest that the UK has cleared the use of its ‘Storm Shadow’ cruise missile for Ukrainian forces to strike deep within Russian territory.
Urgent Security Council Meeting
The urgency of the situation was underscored by Putin’s call for a meeting with top security officials to reassess Russia’s nuclear stance. The President indicated that should the West grant permission for Ukraine to launch strikes on Russian soil, it would be tantamount to a direct conflict between Russia and the West, prompting Moscow to make “appropriate decisions.”
“The West would be directly fighting with Russia if it gave such permission to Ukraine,” he stated.
Nuclear Doctrine and Military Capabilities
Russia, which possesses the largest nuclear arsenal globally, maintains a doctrine established four years ago. This doctrine allows for the use of nuclear weapons in response to nuclear attacks or in the face of conventional threats to its existence. Current estimates place Russia’s stockpile at approximately 6,372 nuclear warheads, with a significant portion deployed on various platforms, including ballistic missiles and strategic bombers.
The ongoing tensions have raised alarms about a potential escalation, particularly if Ukraine is authorized to target Russian territory with Western-supplied weapons. Analysts fear that such a development could lead to a severe military response from Moscow.
The Storm Shadow Missile
The Storm Shadow, a long-range air-launched cruise missile developed jointly by the UK and France, has already been integrated into Ukrainian aircraft. Its range of around 500 km allows it to strike targets deep within enemy lines, raising the stakes significantly if used against Russian territory. While Ukraine currently uses the missile within its borders, changes in policy could permit more aggressive operations against Russia.
Diplomatic Efforts and Future Treaties
The diplomatic landscape is further complicated by the impending expiration of the US-Russia New START Treaty in 2026. Discussions regarding its replacement have been ongoing, with Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov indicating that any new agreements must consider the nuclear capabilities of European powers like the UK and France.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and various international leaders have called for calm, warning of the catastrophic consequences of escalating hostilities. The focus remains on maintaining diplomatic channels to prevent a conflict that could spiral out of control, potentially involving nuclear weapons.
Sources By Agencies
