Russian President Vladimir Putin's nuclear threats and announcement of his intention to transfer tactical nuclear weapons to Belarus are merely an attempt to weaken Western and Ukrainian resolve, proving that the war in Ukraine is not going in his favor and is a hoax.
Putin is determined to send another threatening message, the newspaper said in an editorial, mocking the announcement, saying that given the size of Russia's nuclear arsenal and the range of delivery systems readily available to the Kremlin, it is difficult to see how placing 10 short-range tactical warheads in Belarus amounts to a decisive step in Ukraine's war.
No new risk of threat
The Independent commented that although his latest threat is more objective than previous vague threats about the use of weapons of mass destruction, there is necessarily no reason to believe that this potential deployment carries any greater risk than previously existed.
If Putin wants to use a nuclear bomb to help him win on the battlefields of Donetsk, he can also do so from Russian soil, she said.
That is why the Pentagon's reaction has been calm, close to apathetic and almost boring, she said, adding that Putin, "reckless and in any way seeking victory," knows full well that the deterrent effect of the doctrine of mutually assured destruction still applies.
His threat is counterproductive
Russia's placement of these frightening weapons on the borders of 3 NATO member states (Poland, Latvia and Lithuania) and near Germany will only remind the countries of Europe and the whole world of Russia's malign intentions and the need for ever stronger collective security.
She recalled that Russia's attack on Ukraine last year turned a tired NATO into an effective and united front against Moscow.
Regarding what Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that there could be no large-scale counterattack in Ukraine without new supplies of ammunition, armor and drones and not nuclear bombs, that he was sincere.