Kremlin attempts to stir up nuclear hysteria in media

It seems that only the most disengaged Russian Telegram administrators have ignored the discussion surrounding Ukraine's alleged plans for a dirty bomb attack, a potential raid on the Kursk nuclear power plant, Kyiv's supposed intentions for a large-scale strike on the facility, and yet more rumors involving the Zaporizhzhia NPP in Russian-occupied Ukraine.

Russia appears to be making a concerted effort to incite nuclear panic in the media. But why would they pursue such a strategy if Moscow's officials claim that "everything is under control" in the Kursk region?

The truth is that nothing is under their control.

Russian military personnel continue to surrender, and the territory held by Ukrainian forces keeps expanding. The Glushkovsky district is increasingly cut off from military supplies. Unable to address these growing problems, the Russians have chosen to escalate the situation through the media, hoping to pressure the international community into urging Ukraine to slow its advance into Russian territory.

If this objective is not met, Russia may resort to provocations at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant — something we have already witnessed.

The Kremlin's attempt to stir up nuclear hysteria clearly signals their desperation. But would the Russian military actually resort to using tactical nuclear weapons?

The answer remains no.

For one, tactical nuclear weapons would be ineffective against a battlefield dominated by small, mobile groups. Not long ago, panicked Russian forces launched a ballistic missile at a Ukrainian sabotage and reconnaissance team hiding in the forests of Kursk. Think about that: a ballistic missile to counter a sabotage threat! And to top it off, they missed.

Furthermore, using tactical nuclear weapons in conventional warfare would provoke a strong response from the international community, potentially leading to more remote support for Ukraine in the form of advanced weaponry. Russia would be ill-equipped to handle such a situation, and any remaining diplomatic avenues would be closed.

Source

About the author: Oleksandr Kovalenko, military expert.

The editors don't always share the opinions expressed by the authors of the blogs.