Russia and Ukraine Nuclear Strike Timing Discussed... US Says "No Signs of Use"

(Photo by NYT)

[Asia Economy Reporter Yujin Cho] It has been confirmed that the Russian military leadership, cornered and losing ground in the ground war, held discussions on the timing of using tactical nuclear weapons against Ukraine.

This suggests that Russian President Vladimir Putin's nuclear threats may not be mere rhetoric, prompting the United States and the international community to closely monitor the situation.

On the 2nd (local time), The New York Times (NYT), citing multiple senior U.S. officials, reported that information about the Russian military leadership having such discussions was shared within the U.S. government around mid-last month. However, it is known that President Vladimir Putin did not participate in these talks.

NYT added that the mere fact that the military leadership held such discussions could serve as a warning to the Joe Biden administration.

NYT further noted that this indicates Putin's nuclear threat may not be just talk, especially as the Russian military is cornered and losing ground in the ground war.

The White House expressed strong concern over Russia's nuclear weapons threat but stated there are no indications of preparations related to this.

Regarding these reports, John Kirby, White House National Security Council (NSC) Coordinator for Strategic Communications, said during a phone briefing that "We have seen no signs that Russia is preparing to use nuclear weapons," adding, "President Putin's public statements are concerning, so we are monitoring the situation closely."

He said, "We maintain an appropriate level of concern about the possibility of weapons of mass destruction (WMD), including nuclear weapons, being used in Ukraine," and added, "The feeling that President Putin is determined to continue this war increases anxiety and concern. Over time, concerns about the possibility are growing."

The United States estimates that Russia possesses about 2,000 tactical nuclear weapons.

Meanwhile, as the Ukrainian military announced a large-scale offensive to retake the strategic southern front city of Kherson, Russian forces are forcibly relocating local residents and fortifying the area.

The local government established by Russia in Kherson Oblast has ordered evacuation for 70,000 residents living within 15 km east of the Dnipro River.

Russia has claimed that Ukraine poses a risk of using "dirty bombs" or detonating the Kakhovka Dam in this area to cause flooding.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.