Russian Expert Warns of Putin's Nuclear War Strategy Against Europe
Vladimir Putin believes he can win a nuclear war against the West without it being a suicidal move, claims a Russian expert.
Russia has commenced drills involving tactical nuclear weapons, announced last month, seemingly to deter the West from deeper involvement in the Ukraine conflict.
The Defence Ministry stated that the first stage of these drills involves “practical training in the preparation and use of non-strategic nuclear weapons,” including nuclear-capable Kinzhal and Iskander missiles.
Putin has previously asserted that Russia would defend its territory using nuclear weapons, though doubts remain about whether he would target a NATO country, as this could trigger an apocalyptic scenario. However, Yuri Felshtinsky, co-author of "Blowing up Russia" with Alexander Litvinenko, who was later assassinated by the Kremlin regime, told The Mirror that Putin has a plan to defeat Europe using nuclear warfare if he doesn’t achieve his goals in Ukraine.
Felshtinsky sees Putin as aiming to create a “new world order” and suggests he might attempt a nuclear strike from Belarus instead of Russia, to avoid a suicidal scenario. Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko, a close ally of Putin, has supported Russia's invasion of Ukraine by allowing Russian forces to enter from Belarus during the initial offensive in February 2022.
“Putin views this conflict as a permanent war for a new world order,” said Felshtinsky. “This may seem extreme, but it isn’t unprecedented. Lenin fought for world revolution, Trotsky for permanent revolution, and Stalin expanded Soviet influence until the U.S. developed nuclear weapons. The Soviet government sought global dominance by creating 'socialist system' states worldwide. Putin’s claim that Russia can win a nuclear war is a continuation of this legacy.”
Using nuclear weapons to strike the USA from Russia would be suicidal, but launching from Belarus might be seen as a tactical move to force Europe into submission and claim victory over the USA, especially if Trump were to withdraw U.S. support from Europe.
Felshtinsky also noted Russia’s extensive spy network, involved in subversive activities across Europe, potentially to gauge the UK's response to a nuclear strike from Belarus.
“Yes, and also to assess the UK's reaction to a tactical nuclear missile launched from Belarus against Poland, Lithuania, or a Baltic state,” he said. “Britain’s history of fighting alone from 1939 to 1941 gives it a better understanding of Ukraine’s current situation than France or Germany. The UK is more willing to help Ukraine, even if Trump wins the 2024 election and the USA withdraws from European affairs."
Regarding Russian espionage, he added: “Their subversive activities across Europe have increased with the war in Ukraine. From the Russian government’s perspective, they are fighting against NATO countries, not just Ukraine.”
Last week, Putin visited Belarus for two days to discuss security and exercises involving tactical nuclear weapons. Belarus is expected to participate in these exercises. Before the meeting, Putin stated: “Our Belarusian friends and colleagues are directly participating in military events.”
Maj Gen Pavel Muraveyka, chief of Belarus’ General Staff and first deputy defence minister, has publicly threatened NATO members Poland and Lithuania. In October 2023, he suggested Belarus could seize the Suwalki Gap, a 60-mile stretch along the Polish-Lithuanian border that links the Baltic states with the rest of NATO and separates Belarus from Kaliningrad, a heavily militarized Russian exclave.
Western military analysts view the Suwalki Gap as a potential flashpoint in a confrontation between Russia and NATO, fearing Russia might try to seize it to cut off the Baltic states from NATO support.
“Muraveiko’s appointment signals Minsk’s complete loyalty to Russia,” said Belarusian analyst Valery Karbalevich. “The deployment of Russian nuclear weapons in Belarus ties Lukashenko firmly to Moscow’s policies, making him a hostage of the Kremlin.”
Russia and Belarus began military drills involving tactical nuclear weapons earlier this month. Russia's publicly announced drills, starting May 6, were a response to Western statements about deeper involvement in the Ukraine war. Belarus began its manoeuvres with nuclear-capable missiles and warplanes on May 7; Russia’s exercises began this week.
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