Several Russian officials issued threats to use nuclear weapons not only against Ukraine, but also targeting NATO countries. Even new technology missiles such as the Sarmat with nuclear warheads are said to be deployed. Will this bluff come true?
Andrey Kelin, the Russian Ambassador who is in the UK, said that his country would not use Tactical Nuclear weapons in Ukraine. This is because there are very strict rules for its use.
He said that such weapons were not used in conflicts like the one in Ukraine today. Russia will probably use it but especially when the very existence of the country is being threatened.
"It has nothing to do with the current operation," said Kelin.
On the other hand, there was Vladimir Putin's directive which put its nuclear forces on high alert at the end of last February. It was an action that was taken as a warning.
Tactical nukes are weapons that can be used at relatively short distances. In contrast to strategic nukes, which can be launched at greater distances and increase the impact of war tremendously.
It's just that the term tactical nuclear also includes several types of weapons, such as small bombs or missiles. Well, Russia is estimated to have about 2,000 tactical nuclear weapons.
Kelin also conveyed several things, one of which he denied related to Russian troops shooting civilians in Ukraine. He said that the accusations regarding war crimes in the city of Bucha were fabricated.
"In our view it is a fabrication. It is used only to disrupt negotiations," said the Russian ambassador.
Meanwhile, Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues. Russian troops are currently bombarding cities in eastern Ukraine. With the aim of liberating an industrial center called Donbas.
Ukraine says the fighting in the Donbas is the biggest on European soil since the Second World War. However, Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine vowed that his troops "will fight for every inch of our land".