The Russian nuclear threshold appears to be lower than previously believed, as revealed by recently released military documents. These papers unveil that the Kremlin's forces have already conducted drills for potential tactical strikes in the event of a conflict with a major world power.
Someone has disclosed a collection of 29 confidential military documents from Russia dating from 2008 to 2014. These files contain information on potential war scenarios, training materials for naval officers, and guidelines for the use of nuclear weapons, according to the Daily Mail. The disclosure of classified military documents from over a decade ago sheds light on Russia's nuclear strategy and readiness for potential risks.
Russia's Nuclear Strategy Revealed
TOPSHOT - This pool photograph distributed by Russian state owned agency Sputnik shows Russia's President Vladimir Putin overseeing a training exercise of the forces and equipment of ground, sea and air components of nuclear deterrent forces via a video link in Moscow on October 25, 2023.
Classified military documents from more than ten years ago have been disclosed, providing insight into Russia's nuclear strategy and readiness for potential risks.
The leaked documents, reviewed by The Financial Times, indicate a minimal threshold for the deployment of nuclear weapons in certain situations. Various factors determine when a nuclear response may be considered, such as enemy incursions into Russian territory or the targeting of Moscow's strategic ballistic missile submarines and nuclear-powered attack submarines. According to Mike Hewitt, a retired Rear Admiral in the American Navy, Russia may have strategically leaked these files to the public, referring to it as an "information operations campaign."
According to Hewitt, Russia maintains a Tactical Nuclear capability as both a deterrent and a response to homeland threats. In contrast, the US and its Nuclear Allies have shifted towards maintaining only Strategic Weapons, eliminating Tactical Nuclear weapons capability. The leaked documents detail suspicions towards Beijing in Moscow, including exercises for a potential Chinese invasion of Russia. Alexander Gabuev, director of the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center, highlights the importance of these documents, noting that they are unprecedented in the public domain, according to Express.
Russia Simulates Chinese Invasion
Moreover, the training materials indicate Russia's eastern military district rehearsing scenarios depicting a Chinese invasion despite growing ties between the two countries. One scenario involves a hypothetical attack by Beijing, prompting Russia to consider a tactical nuclear strike to prevent a second wave of invading forces.
Despite the Chinese foreign ministry denying any threat and highlighting the lasting friendship between the two nations, the Kremlin has yet to comment on the reports.
Experts suggest that Russia's tactical nuclear weapons, designed for limited battlefield use, remain relevant to its current military doctrine. The files, spanning from 2008 to 2014, detail Putin's outlined thresholds for using nuclear weapons, including retaliation against a first nuclear strike or if Russia's existence as a state is threatened.
As tensions escalate, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov hints at additional security measures due to what he perceives as "hostile rhetoric" from NATO. Putin's formidable nuclear arsenal, boasting 5,977 warheads, raises concerns globally. The recent sighting of Russian Yars missile launchers en route to Moscow adds to the growing unease, signaling potential developments in Russia's military strategy.
With the world's attention fixed on the situation, the leaked documents indicate a detailed balance of power and the dangerous outcomes of nuclear plans during times of international tension, The Sun reported.
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