Tactics Institute condemns, in the strongest terms, the recent warnings issued by Vladimir Putin regarding the use of nuclear weapons in the context of the Ukraine crisis. The organization calls for an immediate cessation of such rhetoric and urges Russia to adhere to international norms and laws governing nuclear proliferation and regional security.
In his annual State of the Nation address on February 29, Vladimir Putin escalated tensions by warning of a nuclear conflict if the West intervenes in Ukraine. This threat follows a series of similar warnings since the invasion of Ukraine over two years ago, signaling a dangerous escalation of tensions in the region.
The Kremlin has a vast arsenal of around 6,000 nuclear warheads, a figure similar to the United States’ arsenal. The difference, however, is Russia’s 2,000 tactical warheads. These are “small” nuclear bombs not listed in disarmament treaties and are the focus of an important debate among Western experts. Just a year ago, Putin also suspended the New START agreement with Washington, aimed at the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Frozen in practice since the pandemic — Moscow has not allowed the U.S. to inspect its arsenals since 2020.
Tactics Institute demands that Russia refrain from using nuclear threats as a means of coercion and intimidation. Such actions violate international law and pose an existential threat to global peace and security. The use of nuclear weapons must never be normalized as a tool of foreign policy.
Moreover, Under official Russian military doctrine, using the most potent weapons in the world is acceptable in response to aggression, “which puts the very existence of the Russian Federation under threat,” according to the latest revision that Putin signed in 2020. However, the Kremlin began to consider using these weapons in conflicts two decades ago when it observed the technological superiority of NATO in disputes such as the two wars in Iraq.
On the other hand, the situation in Ukraine remains precarious, with the potential for further escalation looming large. The international community must take decisive action to de-escalate tensions and contain the use of nuclear weapons in any circumstance. Russia must abide by its obligations under international treaties and agreements aimed at preventing the spread of atomic weapons and maintaining regional stability.
Tactics Institute calls upon Russia to immediately cease its nuclear saber-rattlin and engage in constructive dialogue to resolve the crisis in Ukraine. The use of nuclear weapons is not a viable solution to any conflict and must be unequivocally rejected by the international community.
