Understanding Putin's Nuclear Rhetoric: NATO's Perspective
Deputy Secretary-General of NATO, Mircea Geoană, describes Russian President Vladimir Putin's threats regarding the use of nuclear weapons as "a psychological intimidation attempt," according to news.ro.
In an interview with El Pais, Geoană addressed the seriousness of Putin's statements, which included discussing a nuclear attack capable of destroying "the entire civilization." Geoană emphasised the prevalence of nuclear threats from Russian leaders since the onset of the war two years ago, condemning Russia's lack of restraint despite its status as a nuclear superpower. He characterised such threats as part of Russia's strategy of psychological intimidation and pressure.
When asked to interpret Putin's statements, Geoană suggested that they are more about psychological intimidation than real intentions. He highlighted the absence of an imminent threat from Russia to use nuclear weapons but warned of the dangerous erosion of trust caused by such rhetoric. Geoană criticised Putin's tendency to portray conflicts, like the one in Ukraine, as wars of civilizations, labelling it as absurd and grandiose.
Moreover, Geoană addressed French President Emmanuel Macron's remarks regarding troop deployment in Ukraine. While respecting allies' rights to propose ideas, Geoană clarified that NATO has no plans to deploy troops in Ukraine. Instead, NATO aims to support Ukraine and prevent escalation with Russia, especially as Ukraine moves closer to NATO and the EU.
In his speech, Putin lamented the alleged "Russophobia" targeting Russians and warned of Western rhetoric's potential to lead to a conflict using nuclear weapons and civilization's destruction. He asserted Russia's readiness to use its strategic nuclear forces.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
