Ukrainian Navy spokesperson reacts to reports of Russian fleet preparing for nuclear strikes on Europe
Photo: Ukrainian Navy spokesman Dmytro Pletenchuk (facebook.com/Taclbery)
It is dangerous for Russia to deploy ships capable of striking with nuclear weapons in the Black Sea, according to the spokesman for the Ukrainian Navy Dmytro Pletenchuk.
Pletenchuk noted that the use of nuclear weapon carriers in the Black Sea is prohibited.
"This is a restricted area with many rules. It can be closed off at any moment, as has actually happened. Therefore, placing such weapon systems here is more risky. Additionally, they would be much easier to detect here than in the ocean. So, it is mostly the prerogative of other fleets," the spokesperson explained.
He added that Russia regularly conducts nuclear drills and planning, so there is nothing new about it.
"To say that there is something extraordinary in these plans… They have doctrines that include so-called unfriendly countries, potential enemies, among which are all civilized nations. What specific scenarios they are practicing is their business. But anyway, nuclear weapons are the last trump card. If you use it, it ceases to be a trump card," Pletenchuk added.
Background
According to the Financial Times, based on secret documents obtained by American journalists from Western sources, Russia developed a strategy for its fleet that included planning nuclear strikes on targets in Western Europe in the event of a conflict with NATO.
It is noted that these documents were developed between 2008 and 2014. They contain maps of potential targets on the western coast of France and coordinates of a naval base in Barrow-in-Furness, northern England.
The documents also highlight that Russia has maintained the capability to deploy tactical nuclear weapons on surface ships, despite international agreements. Among the carriers of such weapons mentioned are "anti-submarine missiles with nuclear warheads placed on surface ships and submarines" and "ship and shore-based anti-aircraft guided missiles with nuclear warheads to defeat enemy air defense groups."
