Ukrainian intelligence comments on risks of Russia launching nuclear weapons

RBC-Ukraine reported the information, citing the representative of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine Yusov.

"Putin's Russia is a terrorist state that possesses nuclear weapons - strategic and tactical. And hypothetically, there is always a threat. Therefore, both Ukraine and our international partners are closely monitoring this issue. Another thing is that as of now, there are no signs pointing to a change in the situation and an increase in the risk of the so-called Russian Federation using tactical nuclear weapons against Ukraine," Yusov said.

According to Yusov, such a step would change little for Russian troops at the frontline, but the launch of nuclear weapons would lead to the destruction of the Putin regime and its ultimate failure, because there would be a global reaction.

"The issue of threats posed by the aggressive Russian Federation, not only to Ukraine but also to the international community, can only be effectively addressed when international supervision and control are established over Russia's nuclear weapons. Only then can this issue be completely removed from the global agenda," the Defence Intelligence representative added.

Also, the head of the President’s Office, Andriy Yermak, wrote that the level of threats depends on how responsible those who create them are and what force can oppose them.

"The likelihood of a threat is determined by the level of responsibility for it and the force that can be employed in response. Terrorists are fueled by weaknesses and are very afraid of the authorities," Yermak wrote.

Earlier, US President Joe Biden said that the threat of Russian leader Vladimir Putin using tactical nuclear weapons was real.

Information available regarding Russian nuclear weapons

On March 25, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that a storage facility for Russian tactical nuclear weapons would be built in Belarus by July. Belarus' self-proclaimed president Lukashenko also mentioned that Belarus could have strategic nuclear weapons if needed.

In April, the Russian Defense Ministry announced the transfer of Iskanders, which can carry nuclear weapons, to Belarus. And in late May, the Belarusian army held exercises during which it practiced striking with Iskanders.

On June 14, the Belarusian leader claimed that nuclear weapons from Russia started to arrive in Belarus, but clarified it would only be used if Belarus faced a direct threat.

Also, on June 16, Russian leader Vladimir Putin  announced that they had transferred some nuclear warheads to Belarus, with the rest to follow by the end of the year.

Later, military analysts from the Institute for the Study of War said that Kremlin’s statements confirm Russia's military control over Belarus.