According to US intelligence, several senior Russian military officials have become concerned as the Kremlin army suffers numerous setbacks in the field.
Another Russian bluff where there is a serious threat? This Wednesday, based on the words of senior American intelligence officials, the American media outlet New York Times reported that Russian military leaders recently met to discuss the use or non-use of tactical nuclear weapons in Ukraine, where their troops have suffered numerous setbacks several times weeks.
According to the same source, Russian President Vladimir Putin, who nevertheless has the final decision on the use of these weapons, did not take part in these talks, which were returned to American intelligence in mid-October.
frustration
According to General Jérôme Pellistrandi, BFMTV’s Defense Advisor, the very act of holding this discussion illustrates the frustration Russian military authorities are gaining and their difficulty in reversing a situation that is beginning to elude them on the ground.
“It is therefore very likely that Russian generals, confronted with their inability to find tactical solutions on the ground, will consider other courses of action, including the use of tactical nuclear weapons. This makes part of the catalog in a so we’re looking for what we can do when we can’t,” he explains.
However, the question of Moscow’s use of tactical nuclear power is back on the table. Also according to the New York Times, to date, American officials have no evidence that the Russians have used these weapons or that they are preparing to use them.
“Western intelligence closely monitors everything related to military nuclear power, and we have seen no manipulation of nuclear warheads or maneuvers that indicate deployment is possible. We must be vigilant and continue our intelligence work,” General Pellistrandi enthuses.
Putin sole decision maker
In the end, Vladimir Putin has the final say in deciding to use these missiles. However, in recent weeks, several relatives of the Russian leader have tried to reassure them by assuring them that using nuclear energy in connection with this conflict is out of the question.
“But what’s worrying is the simple fact of thinking about it, spending time planning it means that in their minds it’s an option that’s possible. Well, there is a difference between the option that is being considered by military leaders on the ground and the decision that Vladimir Putin will make, let’s go a different way,” Jérôme Pellistrandi frets.
As a reminder, US intelligence estimates that Moscow has a stockpile of around 2,000 tactical nuclear weapons intended for use on the battlefield. These multi-kiloton rockets can destroy an enemy army division, airfield or city. They differ from strategic weapons, which have a deterrent effect.
These weapons deal significant damage. In addition to the destruction, they irradiate the affected areas, which become uninhabitable as a result. Their use would be a first in human history and would pose a high political risk for Russia.