Source: Responsible Statecraft
by Connor Echols
“Since Russia invaded Ukraine last February, President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly suggested that he could use nuclear weapons in the conflict. … These nuclear threats have set off a torrent of debate over whether Putin would really cross the Rubicon and make Russia the second country to ever employ the ultimate weapon on the battlefield. Many analysts argue that the threatening moves are meant to deter deeper Western involvement in the conflict, though they disagree over whether and how to call the Russian leader’s bluff. But Brig. Gen. Kevin Ryan (ret.) sees things differently. For Ryan, the question is not a matter of if but when Putin will reach for the nuclear button.” (05/22/23)