Putin continues to use nuclear rhetoric to persuade West to reduce aid to Ukraine - ISW
Russian President Vladimir Putin (photo: Getty Images)
Russian President Vladimir Putin has once again attempted to leverage nuclear rhetoric against the West, aiming to influence Western leaders' decisions regarding support for Ukraine, reports the American Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
Analysts report that on October 29, Putin participated in a videoconference during Russian military exercises. As part of these drills, strategic deterrent forces launched:
- Yars intercontinental ballistic missiles;
- submarine-launched Sineva and Bulava ballistic missiles;
- air-launched cruise missiles.
During the event, Putin stated that Russia's nuclear triad continues to guarantee the sovereignty and security of the country, helping to maintain the global balance of power.
Additionally, the Russian President emphasized the need for Russia to have modern deterrent forces in light of growing geopolitical tensions and the emergence of new threats.
Putin also stated that the strategic missile forces are receiving new, unspecified stationary and mobile missile systems that are purportedly designed for enhanced accuracy, reduced launch times, and increased capabilities.
Previously, Russia conducted similar nuclear deterrence exercises using the same missile systems in October 2022 and 2023.
Thus, the Russian President once again attempted to leverage the annual Russian nuclear deterrence exercises for further routine information operations involving nuclear saber-rattling aimed at influencing Western decision-making.
"ISW continues to assess that Putin and other senior Russian officials attempt to leverage nuclear rhetoric and regular military exercises as a form of reflexive control in an effort to force Western decision-makers to self-deter and temper their support for Ukraine," the analysts concluded.
According to Oleksandr Musiienko, head of the Center for Military Legal Studies, Putin likely aims to influence US presidential candidate Donald Trump with these nuclear deterrence exercises. The intent is to impress the Republican.
Musiienko pointed out that Russia is counting on Trump’s victory. Trump has previously stated that Russia cannot be defeated militarily and that it has strength. According to Musiienko, Putin is well aware of this sentiment. Thus, the Russian President is laying the groundwork to create a basis for negotiations with Trump.
