As Russia Digs In, What's the Risk of Nuclear War? 'It's Not Zero.'

[Zorro]

A series of shifts in Russian statements about using nuclear weapons has led some analysts to believe that the Kremlin sees a nuclear exchange as a viable strategy.

A major war raging on Russia’s and NATO’s borders. Increasingly bold Western military support. Russian threats of direct retaliation. A mood of siege and desperation in the Kremlin. Growing uncertainty around each side’s red lines.

As Russia and NATO escalate their standoff over Ukraine, nuclear strategists and former U.S. officials warn that there is a remote but growing risk of an unintended slide into direct conflict — even, in some scenarios, a nuclear exchange.

“The prospect of nuclear war,” António Guterres, the United Nations secretary general, warned this week, “is now back within the realm of possibility.”

Leaders on both sides emphasize that they consider such a war unthinkable, even as they make preparations and issue declarations for how they might carry it out. But the fear, experts stress, is not a deliberate escalation to war, but a misunderstanding or a provocation gone too far that, as each side scrambles to respond, spirals out of control.

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/16/world/europe/ukraine-russia-nuclear-war.html?unlocked_article_code=AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACEIPuomT1JKd6J17Vw1cRCfTTMQmqxCdw_PIxftm3iWka3DODm8ciPsSGYyMvErQf617apwu3C6SRdlMdaUyX-dzx6pZIkdpRgCy54SNgtIFPyAx48qVb18B4qjsD_o-4CO4KS6wMvt-z7my-BzfbGG6DKGMzXcqLV16pcczIEX63SQO2qiRQOAmidl-3_8mAItoBmtVPFn8tPnoCxx9OtuHf0ucvlFwA7cFLGmVyd2M6LsAcxFQC0bFSh595GU87tBdOrAHLfq1bk5gKIel3-JnWiE_J5ypBpYxW4HSi71u1LfLoheJw8C3rO4k_0jEnnjGPjg0A2cBu7kBYg&smid=url-share

These are very dangerous times, but if there is a serious escalation, one can certainly rely on the Republicans to be the "Blame America First" party.

[AlexSFCA]

1. it could actually be the only option putin will have left to reshape the world

it’s a dangerous moment and exactly why NATO is being extremely careful. Things can get MUCH worse than what’s happening in Ukraine. Putin has an arsenal of tactical nuclear missiles.

[Zorro]

3. I think a tactical nuclear weapon is a very realistic possibility

A single one in Ukraine to test the West's reaction. It would be a dangerous and desperate gambit, but may be one Putin is willing to make.

[Midnight Writer]

2. I hope some Russian Generals have had "The Discussion" about what to do if Putin ordered a strike.

Just like, sadly, our Generals had when Trump was President.

[brush]

4. You bet it's not zero because for sure Putin has his underground bunker...

shielded by five stories of concrete and stocked with all his favorite foods, vodka, luxury furnishings, rooms for his mistresses, Super Mario video games and all of trump's and Tucker Carlson's slobbering ass kissing videos.

[marie999]

5. Since countries have nuclear weapons, the risk of nuclear war is never zero.