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Division between the Western Countries might be the “Green Light”, Putin needs to turn his threats into reality.
Division between the Western Countries might be the “Green Light”, Putin needs to turn his threats into reality.
What is happening?
Vladimir Putin is giving “detailed” thought to deploying tactical nuclear weapons in Ukraine, according to a former senior British Army officer.
With Russia’s battlefield progress stalling, the possibility of escalation is being taken increasingly seriously by Western observers.
Russia’s Ground Gains Are Shockingly Small
Despite its vast numerical and material superiority, Russia has managed to seize only about 5,000 square kilometres since January 2024.
That’s less than 1% of Ukraine’s total territory.
Kharkiv Advance Slower Than WWI Trenches
In the Kharkiv region, Russian troops have advanced at a snail’s pace — just 50 metres per day.
That’s even slower than the infamous Somme offensive during World War I, where Allied forces advanced about 80 metres per day.
Tactical Nukes Seen as a Shortcut to Victory
Hamish de Bretton-Gordon, a former British Army Colonel and WMD expert, warned in an op-ed in The Telegraph that the Kremlin’s repeated nuclear threats suggest more than mere posturing.
With conventional forces bogged down, Putin may be considering tactical nukes as a means to quickly break the deadlock.
War’s Drag May Fuel Desperate Moves
As the conflict stretches from a “three-day invasion” into its fourth year, Putin could be calculating that a swift tactical nuclear strike might bring Ukraine to its knees — and that the West may be too divided or hesitant to respond decisively.
Trump’s NATO Stance Adds Uncertainty
The former Colonel also pointed to Donald Trump’s wavering commitment to NATO and European security as a potential factor emboldening Putin.
Any perception of disunity among Western allies could be misread by Moscow as a green light.
Franco-British Nuclear Pact Raises the Stakes
Last week’s agreement between the UK and France on closer nuclear cooperation could complicate Putin’s calculus.
The pact sends a clear signal: a Russian nuclear strike on Ukraine could provoke a direct French military response.
Risk of Escalation May Deter Putin
A tactical nuclear exchange wouldn’t be easily contained. Experts warn it could spiral into a broader war, possibly even turning NATO directly against Russia.
Such a move might also damage or destroy the very military power base Putin relies on.
Putin Faces a Stark Strategic Choice
With little to show for Russia’s bloody offensive and facing a unified Western deterrent,
Putin must weigh whether the nuclear path — while tempting — could ultimately backfire and cost him everything.
Western Resolve Could Be Ukraine’s Shield
De Bretton-Gordon praised leaders like Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer for showing strength where it matters.
He added that if US President Donald Trump maintains a firm stance, the West might just avoid a wider European war — and secure a just peace for Ukraine.
