Russian President Vladimir Putin’s Nuclear threats have raised concerns that his escalation plans in Ukraine may not be limited mobilize more troops.
The Pentagon responded to the potential threat on Tuesday by saying the United States is fully prepared to deal with a nuclear scenario with Russia.
What happened: Patrick Ryderthe Pentagon press secretary, answered media inquiries at a briefing on Tuesday.
Ryder was asked if the United States was prepared to handle a nuclear conflict with Russia, since Putin has never officially ruled out the use of nuclear weapons.
“What assurance can the Pentagon give to the American people that they are fully prepared to deal with a nuclear scenario from Russia,” asked one of the press conference attendees.
“We’re fully prepared, I can tell you that,” Ryder replied. “In the meantime, we have seen nothing to indicate that Russia has made a decision to use nuclear weapons – we are on standby 24/7 to watch and would be ready if we had to respond.”
Why it matters: Putin made ominous threats against the West in the pastbut his cryptic remarks in a speech to Russia in late September suggested he was willing to increase the risk of nuclear war to avoid military defeat.
Without going into further detail, the Russian leader said the United States and its allies had engaged in “nuclear blackmail” by making claims about the possible use of “nuclear weapons of mass destruction against Russia.”
“If the territorial integrity of our country is threatened, we will certainly use all means at our disposal to protect Russia and our people,” Putin said, referring to Russia’s nuclear arsenal.
Photo via Shutterstock.
