The Russian President Vladimir Putin is clinging to power after the Wagner Group rebellion to which some say it was a failed attempt at a coup.
Non the less Putin’s position has been significantly weakened and could resort to the nuclear option either by using a tactical nuclear weapon or attempting to blow up Europe’s largest nuclear power station.
Dmitry Medvedev, the deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council threatened on Sunday retaliatory strikes on nuclear facilities in Europe, after Ukraine’s President tried to take out a nuclear power station in Smolensk using Storm Shadow missiles which were supplied by the British.
However, Putin has been warned that any attempt to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine will result in him being removed from power by the army officers.
Anders Fogh Rasmussen, who served as the head of NATO until 2014. Said during a round table discussion, said, “The Russian military knows very well there’s no strategic advantage in using nuclear weapons.
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“It’s been clearly communicated to them that the response from the United States and its allies would have a devastating effect on the Russian army.
“So in conclusion, the Russian military would refuse to abide by orders from Putin and their only alternative would be to remove him and install a new leader.
“Any attempt to try and use nuclear weapons in Ukraine would be the end of the Putin era and his regime.
“For that reason, I am not concerned about the risk of Putin using nuclear weapons.”
Rasmussen, a former Danish prime minister added, “Let’s face it.
“Putin has exploited our long decision making processes to fortify Russian defences in Donbas and Crimea.
“So it has been even more complicated for Ukraine to conduct its counteroffensives because of our hesitations.
“We really have to step up to the plate, that’s why I think it’s quite simple – we should deliver everything the Ukrainians need without any restrictions.
“We shouldn’t be concerned about Putin’s reaction because he has been the one who has escalated the war already and we are always two or three steps behind him.”
He concluded, “Let me stress, if we are to ensure long term peace and stability on the European continent, we need a strong and stable Eastern European ally like Ukraine to serve as a bulwark against a still aggressive Russia.
“Because when this war is over, you will still have an aggressive Russia. So we have to protect not only Ukraine but the whole of Europe against that threat.
“And to that end we need Ukraine as a NATO ally.”
