CNN reported Monday that the US administration is developing responses to a number of nuclear scenarios Russia could take in Ukraine, from the use of tactical nuclear weapons to an attack on a nuclear power plant. According to television sources, Putin is under pressure from nationalists, although there are no signs of preparations for such a move.
According to CNN, Plans for the use of nuclear weapons by Russia have been made since the beginning of the conflict, and various scenarios of Russian action are being considered.: direct attack with a small nuclear bomb on the battlefield and more demonstration attacks, e.g. detonation at high altitudes or far from populated areas, as well as the attack on the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant.
In a television interview on Monday, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby confirmed that it is considering various responses to the potential use of nuclear weapons by Russia and is closely monitoring the Russians’ actions at the power plant..
At the same time, he emphasized that although Washington takes the threat seriously, the United States has not yet registered any movement that demonstrates Russia’s preparations for the use of weapons of mass destruction.
We are watching as closely as we can – he pointed out.
Earlier, Jack Sullivan, chairman of the National Security Council, said the White House had briefed the Kremlin on the consequences, saying it was “disastrous”.
According to a CNN source, intelligence assessments are confidential The likelihood of a US nuclear attack is still considered low. At the same time, the TV commentator told Putin that “defeat is not an option.”“Another informant said that while Russians are unhappy with the mobilization, according to the services, Putin is under more pressure from hard-line nationalists pushing for an escalation of the war than from the public or the opposition.