Jens Stoltenberg, the Nato Secretary General, has warned that “severe consequences” will befall Russia if Vladimir Putin uses nukes in Ukraine.
Western leaders are more concerned about this threat since Putin declared on Friday that he had formally annexed the eastern and southern Ukraine regions and declared them Russian territories. Since then, Ukrainian forces claim to have retaken Lyman in eastern Ukraine’s Donetsk Region.
The setback in Lyman has brought harsh criticism to the Russian military command. Kremlin loyalists have called for an even stronger reaction, and suggested using a nuclear bomb with a low yield.
Ramzan Kadyrov is the leader of Russia’s southern Chechnya Region. He stated that a different approach was needed “right up until the declaration of martial laws in the border zones and the use low-yield nukes.”
“The nuclear rhetoric of President Putin is dangerous.” Stoltenberg said on Sunday, “It’s reckless.”
Stoltenberg continued that the deployment of nuclear weapons “would change the nature” of war and “have severe consequences for Russia.”
“We have also made clear that a nuke war cannot be won, and must never be fought.” This is a message NATO and NATO allies send to Russia clearly,” he said.
The West’s best course of action in dealing with Putin would be to continue doing what it does now, namely providing Ukraine the financial and militarily support it needs to retake strategic areas like Lyman stated Stoltenberg.
“That’s the only way to make sure that these territories are part of Ukraine, and that Ukraine can liberate and retake occupied land,” he said.
Stoltenberg cited NATO initiatives and assistance as the reason for Ukraine’s continuing military success.
“Ukrainians make progress, are able push back the Russian Forces because of their courage and bravery. The advanced weapons provided by the United States and its allies also play a role. “This is making a huge difference on the battlefield each day,” he said.
By Sophie Hodler
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