Kathrine Frich
Analysts suggest the nuclear panic is more psychological than practical.
Analysts suggest the nuclear panic is more psychological than practical.
Russia Is Playing a Dangerous Game of Fear
Moscow is deliberately stoking fears of its own collapse — including civil war and nuclear chaos — as a strategic deterrent, say defence analysts.
The aim? To weaken Western support for Ukraine and avoid a decisive Russian defeat.
West Falls for Kremlin’s Collapse Narrative
The tactic appears to be working.
The United States has now paused key weapons shipments to Ukraine after reviewing its military aid programme, a move that has caused alarm in Kyiv and celebration in Moscow.
The ‘Yugoslavia’ Scenario Haunts Western Leaders
Fears persist that a Russian defeat could spark a chaotic disintegration similar to the Yugoslav wars, but on a vastly larger scale.
“We would have Yugoslavia, but ten times more powerful, with thousands of nuclear warheads,” warned retired French General Michel Yakovleff.
Nuclear Chaos: Real Threat or Political Leverage?
Analysts suggest the nuclear panic is more psychological than practical.
Though Russia does possess a vast arsenal, its ability to wield it amidst internal turmoil remains unproven.
The threat, however, is enough to shape global policy decisions.
French General: Collapse Is Plausible and Frightening
General Yakovleff sees civil war within Russia as a genuine possibility, pointing to the country’s 17 military armies and ethnic tensions.
“There are many people who have objective reasons to grab each other by the throat,” he said.
Keir Giles: Collapse Talk Is a Kremlin Myth
Russia expert Keir Giles of Chatham House counters the collapse theory, calling it “groundless.”
He argues that Russia’s regions are too financially dependent on Moscow to consider breaking away.
“They want to keep receiving the subsidies,” he noted.
Internal Repression and Propaganda Driving Russian Decline
Yakovleff warned that Putin’s reliance on propaganda, militarism, and repression is not sustainable.
“The regime is unsustainable,” he said, while cautioning that its downfall might not lead to peace or stability.
