Putin may resort to nuclear blackmail in war against Ukraine

Putin may resort to extreme measures to defeat Ukraine, including nuclear blackmail

President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin may go to extreme measures to win the war against Ukraine, including threats of using nuclear weapons. This is stated in the analytical material of the Swiss newspaper Neue Zürcher Zeitung (NZZ).

Weakening of the West and the «dangerous moment»

The authors note that confidence in the transatlantic alliance has weakened more than ever, and it remains unclear whether the United States and its allies can actually deter the Kremlin from attempting to create a new neo-Soviet empire. Against this backdrop, the situation around Ukraine is entering an extremely dangerous phase.

War of attrition

The article notes that in Western capitals, the idea of Russia's advantage in the war of attrition. This assessment, according to the NZZ, is coming not only from Moscow but also from Washington and is supported by some European politicians.

Zelensky's position

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, according to the publication, is trying to to prevent the peace imposed by the United States, The government is acting cautiously and tactically. In particular, this week's proposal to demilitarisation of part of Donbas, The area that remains under Ukrainian control is subject to stringent conditions:
Russian troops must be withdrawn, and the liberated territories must be placed under the control of international forces. These conditions, as noted by NZZ, unlikely to be acceptable to the Kremlin.

The nuclear factor

The publication emphasises that today open use of nuclear weapons in Ukraine does not make military sense for Moscow. At the same time, Putin may try to achieve short-term goals at the negotiating table, The Russians are increasing the pressure with rhetoric and a demonstration of readiness to escalate.

Analysts emphasise:
Ukraine and NATO territory in Europe remain the most likely nuclear risk region in the world, No other nuclear power wages such an intense conventional war, combined with the propaganda of an «existential struggle against the West».

Conclusion NZZ

If Putin again feel backed into a corner, According to the authors, he is a, will again resort to nuclear threats as an instrument of political and psychological pressure on the West.