America plans to retaliate if Russia uses weapons of mass destruction in Ukraine
Senior administration officials said Thursday that the White House has set up a team of experts to come up with plans for a possible US response if Russia uses chemical, biological or nuclear weapons of mass destruction during its invasion of Ukraine.
Russia has repeatedly raised the possibility of using nuclear weapons when faced with difficulties in the Ukraine crisis and overcoming the Ukrainian army during a month-old war that the Russian government has described as a "special operation".
The Kremlin said this week that such weapons would only be used in the case of an "existential threat".
US officials have warned that Russia's accusations that Ukraine may use chemical weapons is a lie and may be an indication that Moscow may use them, given similar precedents.
The officials said the White House National Security Council sent an internal memo to security agencies and agencies dated February 28 requesting the formation of a strategic group to examine the major geopolitical shifts occurring as a result of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Another team, known internally as the "Tiger Team", is looking into potential forecasts for the next three months.
One of the officials said the strategic group was working "to monitor and mitigate risks while looking at how to advance and defend US interests."
The official added that this team is developing contingency plans for various scenarios and possibilities, including the possibility of Russia resorting to the use of chemical or biological weapons, targeting American security convoys, disrupting global food supply chains, and the ongoing response to the escalating refugee crisis.
The official noted that the team is also looking into the possibility of Russia's use of nuclear weapons.
The official declined to speculate on the US response to Russia's possible use of weapons of mass destruction, saying there would be a response.
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