Putin’s Nuclear Threats: How Serious Are They This Time?

According to security expert Christian Mölling, the change in Russian nuclear doctrine is intended to unsettle Western societies and complicate Ukraine’s efforts to secure military support. Mölling says in star– “The situation – international”, Putin knows the “pressure points” of the West and serves the expectations. However, this does not increase the risk that nuclear weapons will actually be used.

“I don’t see any change,” emphasizes the expert from the Bertelsmann Foundation. During Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit to the United States, Putin said his country would in future view a nuclear power that supports an attack on Russia as part of its aggression. A key point in the talks in Washington was Ukraine’s desire to be allowed to use U.S.-supplied weapons deep inside Russia.

Christian Mölling: Pressure on Europeans is growing

Mölling is convinced that a decision on the rules of use of weapons coming from the USA can still be made by the outgoing US administration. “If the American president were to be counted in his power simply because of the prospect of an election, that would be the wrong signal,” says Mölling. The West must prove and assert itself in the confrontation with Russia. Regardless of the US election, the Europeans would face new requirements. A President Kamala Harris would also increase the pressure on Europe to become more involved. Your clear commitment to further support Ukraine says nothing about “operational distribution”.

Mölling denies that an election victory for Donald Trump would necessarily lead to a defeat for Ukraine. In the event that Trump returns to the White House, the following applies: “Then no one can be sure what will happen – because Trump is not a strict ideologue. He wants the power and doesn’t want to go to prison. What he then uses the power for is fine with him doesn’t matter.” Mölling calls Trump “a narcissistic personality who knows no boundaries.”

For Putin, the only thing that matters is who is stronger

He sees the “victory plan” presented by Zelensky in Washington as a response to the US Congress’ desire for clarity about how US money and weapons can be used to achieve the goals associated with the delivery. According to his assessment, it will be necessary to arm Ukraine even after the hostilities have ended and to give it security guarantees. Putin’s signature on the negotiation results is worth nothing. “The only thing that matters to Putin is who is stronger,” says Mölling. The implication for the Ukrainians is: “They need the opportunity to deter Putin.”