Russian military leaders discussed when to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine

The New York Times (NYT) reported on the 2nd that the Russian military held a meeting in Ukraine on the timing and method of using tactical nuclear weapons.

According to the NYT, U.S. authorities captured the discussion of Russian military leaders in the middle of last month. The same was shared with the White House. Russian President Vladimir Putin did not participate in the meeting.

The NYT pointed out, “The fact that military leaders discussed the use of nuclear weapons alone can be a warning to the U.S. government.” This is because the war situation goes beyond disadvantage and indicates the urgency of the Russian military. In other words, President Putin’s nuclear threat is not a lie.

However, a U.S. government official told the NYT, “We have yet to see evidence that Russia is putting nuclear weapons in place or taking other tactical measures to prepare for the attack.”

John Kirby, the U.S. National Security Council’s strategic communications coordinator, also stressed, “We will do our best to keep an eye on it,” adding, “We have not seen any signs that Russia is preparing to use (nuclear weapons).”

The U.S. government estimated that Russia has 2,000 tactical nuclear weapons. Tactical nuclear weapons have never been directly used, but they are likely to be used as warheads for artillery shells and missiles. According to the NYT, senior U.S. administration officials are considering a situation in which Russia, which has recently been pushed out of the Ukrainian battlefield, is taking out its nuclear weapons card again.