Will Putin launch nuclear response to Moscow attack? Diplomat weighs in
Dmytro Kuleba outlined the strategic importance of striking Moscow and assessed Russia’s nuclear threats.
Will there be a nuclear response for Moscow? Kuleba names only condition for Kremlin to pull out «nukes»
The question of whether strikes on military targets deep within Russia, particularly in Moscow, will trigger further escalation and push Putin to push the red button remains one of the hottest topics in Ukrainian and international politics.
Former Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba addressed the Kremlin’s nuclear blackmail in a social media post.
Why strikes on Moscow matter
Answering the first question affirmatively, Kuleba assured that strikes on Moscow directly benefit Ukraine’s position.
«These strikes are beneficial not just because it makes us feel psychologically better to experience an act of retaliation for the suffering we endure here in Ukraine. It is also because Russia has two sacred cities that are shielded from the impact of war at all costs: Moscow and Saint Petersburg. The rest of Russia can suffer and feel the war; none of that matters. The critical thing for them is that it is not felt in Moscow and Petersburg,» the diplomat explained.
He recalled that when Putin announced partial mobilization, the two cities where it was virtually non-existent were Moscow and Petersburg.
«Because these are icons, windows into the country—they cannot be touched. Therefore, psychological pressure could mount on Putin within Russia that things are going poorly. He ignored Belgorod and complaints from Kursk residents. But we have, so to speak, pricked the very egg of Koshchei the Deathless. And this carries a highly significant psychological effect,» the former minister said.
Kuleba is convinced that strikes on the Russian Federation will only intensify, as the Defense Forces possess the necessary drones.
«The drones are there, the missiles are coming, and there isn’t enough air defense systems to cover all of Moscow,» Kuleba noted.
Will Putin retaliate against Kyiv?
The diplomat does not rule out that Putin will seek revenge for his humiliation with new strikes on Ukraine.
«Will Russia hit Ukraine in response? It will. But let us not forget that we are striking Moscow in response to Russia striking Kyiv,» the former minister reminded.
Will Putin use nuclear weapons?
Kuleba believes there will be no nuclear strike in retaliation for the attack on Moscow.
«Nuclear weapons are not on the agenda. The nuclear question will only arise if the regime begins to collapse. I am not saying Putin will launch a nuclear strike. I am saying that they will only approach the consideration of this issue when there is a collapse of the regime. So, that is the situation. Unfortunately, to our great regret, the war continues. However, Ukraine is achieving tangible results in this war and is acting from a position of strength. This means that the chances of ending this war are improving. Nevertheless, a certain path still lies ahead,» Dmytro Kuleba concluded.