Russia’s Nuclear Threats During the Invasion of Ukraine
Russia’s Nuclear Threats During the Invasion of Ukraine

Author(s): Artur Kacprzyk
Subject(s): International relations/trade, Security and defense, Military policy, Russian Aggression against Ukraine
Published by: PISM Polski Instytut Spraw Międzynarodowych
Keywords: Russia; invasion; aggression; Ukraine; nuclear threat;
Summary/Abstract: From the beginning of the invasion, Russia has been trying to deter Western countries from supporting Ukraine. It did not threaten an immediate nuclear attack, but has been signalling that further escalation might lead to it. This was met with a measured response from NATO nuclear-armed countries and has not prevented arms deliveries to Ukraine nor the imposition of sanctions on Russia. The fear of nuclear war with Russia, however, did influence the NATO decision to exclude direct involvement in the conflict and resistance of some allies to actions that, in their opinion, could be interpreted by Russia as joining the hostilities.

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