Why Putin seeks to showcase nuclear might: Expert explains

Russian president Vladimir Putin’s decision to order preparations for nuclear tests, accompanied by a renewed show of nuclear power, is an effort to create an illusion of strength — and the Kremlin’s only remaining “trump card” in relations with the world.

According to military analyst Ivan Stupak, Russia has lost the ability to contribute positively to global science or technology, leaving destruction as its only argument.

He said this on air of the “KYIV24” TV channel.

Russia's only "trump card" — destruction

Ivan Stupak emphasises that Russia today has nothing to offer the world except intimidation. The analyst stresses that the demonstration of nuclear power is an attempt to create an illusion of strength, but in fact it indicates the absence of real technological and scientific achievements.

"The Russian Federation has nothing more to offer this world. The only thing — "we have nuclear weapons, we will kill you all". Neither artificial intelligence, nor any medicines against serious diseases, nothing," Stupak stated.

In his opinion, the only sphere where Russia can currently show something is the ability to destroy humanity.

Nuclear tests as a demonstration of force

The expert also commented on Putin's directive to prepare for nuclear tests, viewing it as an attempt to show the world that the Russian Federation remains a nuclear power ready to undermine global stability.

Stupak recalled that ground and underwater nuclear tests were last conducted in 1962. Underground tests by the US and the Soviet Union were carried out in 1991–1992. By showing readiness to return to the practice of nuclear tests, the Kremlin seeks to manipulate perceptions of its power, as it has no other positive factors of influence.