Russia puts its nuclear deterrent on high alert

[Libertybear80]

Does anyone know what that actually means? Is he threatening nuclear war?

The whole world is against Putin pretty much

Whatever happens he's screwed

@spleencoffin

And that’s why this is so scary

I hate myself for saying this but if it's a choice between sacrificing Ukraine and ultimately saving my children from nuclear holocaust then I know which way I'd go.

I genuinely think he's a madman and will do it.

20 pages?

It's an idle threat as he's a bully.

@JinglingHellsBells

20 pages?

It's an idle threat as he's a bully.

Sadly the world leaders who know more strongly disagree with you.

@LemonViolet thanks for that from the BBC, it was so much easier to understand than others I had read.

'Russia has the largest stockpile of nuclear weapons in the world but also knows that Nato also has enough to destroy Russia if they were used.'

Could this mean that if he launched a nuclear missile, NATO could launch theirs, and destroy the full of Russia, bringing an end to this?

If he was found and killed, would that end things?

Sorry, my questions might sound ridiculous, I'm just really worried. I read an article and saw photos of poor fathers kissing their children goodbye and it's really got to me

@Willyoujustbequiet

I hate myself for saying this but if it's a choice between sacrificing Ukraine and ultimately saving my children from nuclear holocaust then I know which way I'd go.

I genuinely think he's a madman and will do it.

The thing is there's no guarantee then he will stop. He will feel entitled to claim more lives countries and stop at nothing to do it

Two points in my opinion, 1, deterrent means exactly that, trying to avoid. I believe he is now concerned that NATO will get more aggressive and by pushing the nuclear narrative due to what people do link Russia and war with due to past issues gaining more worry within the people which pushes through to the government and sways their actions.

1. If you were actually planning to utilise these threats would you tell anyone? By telling them they are prepared, russian media is very controlled by the state and is only allowed to broadcast pre-approved programming.

I would be very concerned if I lived in Russia as a NATO country is more likely to turn on them before his well broadcasted threats become a reality! X

@Willyoujustbequiet

I hate myself for saying this but if it's a choice between sacrificing Ukraine and ultimately saving my children from nuclear holocaust then I know which way I'd go.

I genuinely think he's a madman and will do it.

If Ukraine was sacrificed, what then? Where would he go next, flushed with victory? A stand has to be taken (with all due care) because actually it is a better way to ensure safety. If Putin succeeded in Ukraine and turned his sights on a NATO country, it would be far, far scarier than this.

I hope I don’t have to eat my words but he’s bricking it. He couldn’t look at the camera - he sat hunched back and with his hands in front of him.

In saying that his General’s looked petrified and exhausted.

[quote dillydallydollydaydream7]@LemonViolet thanks for that from the BBC, it was so much easier to understand than others I had read.

'Russia has the largest stockpile of nuclear weapons in the world but also knows that Nato also has enough to destroy Russia if they were used.'

Could this mean that if he launched a nuclear missile, NATO could launch theirs, and destroy the full of Russia, bringing an end to this?

If he was found and killed, would that end things?

Sorry, my questions might sound ridiculous, I'm just really worried. I read an article and saw photos of poor fathers kissing their children goodbye and it's really got to me [/quote]
I am sorry that you feel like that . All I can say is that IMHO, there has been a better and more united response to this than might have been expected.

All this is not great but there have been a lot of flashpoints in the last 60 years and we are still here. Ironically, the fact so many nations have nuclear weapons is still a deterrent to anyone using them.

I am ashamed by the lack of effort the UK government has made.

In what way?

[quote dillydallydollydaydream7]@LemonViolet thanks for that from the BBC, it was so much easier to understand than others I had read.

'Russia has the largest stockpile of nuclear weapons in the world but also knows that Nato also has enough to destroy Russia if they were used.'

Could this mean that if he launched a nuclear missile, NATO could launch theirs, and destroy the full of Russia, bringing an end to this?

If he was found and killed, would that end things?

Sorry, my questions might sound ridiculous, I'm just really worried. I read an article and saw photos of poor fathers kissing their children goodbye and it's really got to me [/quote]
Destroying Russia would only stop any that are kept on land. The vast majority are supposed to be onboard submarines.

@Ciaram55

I've just been having a panic attack. I can't function properly right now. One fucking man doing this to us.

Are you in Ukraine?

@CPL593H thank you for your reply I really need to avoid the news for a few days because it's terrifying me.

You're right about the united response - I was saying to my DH yesterday that in a way it's a comfort to see that even Russia's own people are anti-war and have been protesting. I pray this is all over soon

Let's hope someone takes him out. Soon.

If not maybe the Fletcher Memorial Home have a spare bed.

Really worth reading:

www.ft.com/content/e12976cf-59be-414e-b90f-56875df79753
West takes Putin’s nuclear threat seriously
Russian president’s ‘escalate-to-de-escalate’ strategy comes after military setbacks and rising pressure from sanctions

“This really is Russia’s military strategy to backstop conventional aggression with nuclear threats, or what is known as the ‘escalate to de-escalate strategy’. The message to the west, Nato and US is, ‘don’t get involved or we can escalate things to the highest level’,” Kroenig said, adding that he thought Putin was bluffing.

and

Putin’s order is a “preliminary command” rather than active preparations for a strike, said Pavel Podvig, a senior research scientist at the UN Institute for Disarmament Research in Geneva.

“In peacetime the system is there, but the circuitry is disconnected. So you cannot physically transmit the signal even if you want to,” Podvig said. “Even if you press the button, nothing would happen.”

Podvig warned, however, that “there is a deficit of rational thinking in certain quarters” that added to the tensions. “People said invading Ukraine was crazy and irresponsible — this is an order of magnitude higher.”

@dillydallydollydaydream7 that's a good idea. My old Nan (who lived through multiple conflicts as an adult, including 2 World Wars) used to say "Worry is slow murder" and maybe all we can do is switch off a bit.

My generation had a lot of Cold War and all sorts of nonsense and it's easy to forget that this is quite new for a lot of people. More and take care. I'm still pretty certain it will be OK.

@HelpMeHiveMind

I'm scared too now. Would he actually nuke the UK just to make an example of us to other NATO countries for sticking our necks out? I did think Liz Truss actively calling upon people to go join the Ukrainian foreign guard was poking the bear...

I don't think they'd destroy the U.K. since they own most of London, along with the Saudis.

Not being funny but where the hell is our prime minister ?? This is scary shit and he’s not said one word about this distressing update !!

[quote CPL593H]@dillydallydollydaydream7 that's a good idea. My old Nan (who lived through multiple conflicts as an adult, including 2 World Wars) used to say "Worry is slow murder" and maybe all we can do is switch off a bit.

My generation had a lot of Cold War and all sorts of nonsense and it's easy to forget that this is quite new for a lot of people. More and take care. I'm still pretty certain it will be OK.[/quote]
It sounds like your Nan was a very wise lady - worry is awful and so time-consuming. I'm going to delete my news apps too. Thank you again, I do feel a little calmer now, much appreciated

@Magicmelodies21

Not being funny but where the hell is our prime minister ?? This is scary shit and he’s not said one word about this distressing update !!

He makes statements every day, dudes got a job to do, not jump and make public statements every time Putin comments.

@Ilostit

I hope I don’t have to eat my words but he’s bricking it. He couldn’t look at the camera - he sat hunched back and with his hands in front of him.

In saying that his General’s looked petrified and exhausted.

is there a link to this please?

I do understand worries about our PM but I personally am more concerned about Biden! America is supposed to be the superpower within NATO and so far he is coming across as a very weak leader!

He's posturing ahead of negotiations. That's it. Normally you go into a negotiation with your BATNA (best alternative to negotiated agreement - i.e. your target best outcome), but Putin doesn't have that:

• 4300+ soldiers slaughtered
• devastating ambushes and airstrikes destroying entire munitions convoys
• badly planned logistics meaning tanks are running out of fuel
• thousands of almost "guaranteed hit" NLAW anti tank weapons already in Ukraine eith thousands more incoming
• a country wide guerrilla force (and history teaches us guerrilla warfare is lethal for conventional armies)
• some of the most effective psychological operations ever (see the "helpline" Ukraine set up for Russian mothers to call to check if their son has been killed, captured or wounded. Fucking hell. How to turn the women of Russia against this invasion 🤯)

He's literally got nothing to bring to the negotiation. Hence the nuke angle. He's just trying to puff out his chest and look like he's got a bargaining chip. And as PP have said, there's not a James Bond villain style button - there's layers on layers of codes and people involved in the process.

Sleep well tonight. Putin wants you to be frightened - don't give him the satisfaction. Think of those brave women in Kyiv making thousands on thousands of Molotov cocktails to defend their homes.