Analysts told what purpose the Kremlin uses nuclear threats again

Rhetoric on the use of ulcers was intensified again against the background of Finland's accession to NATO and the allocation of a new military assistance package to Ukraine from the United States. The Russian military-political leadership continues to attempt to use nuclear threats to restrain Western military assistance in Kiev on the eve of the planned counter-offensive of the Ukrainian Defense Forces.

This is stated in the report of the American Institute for War Study (ISW), published on April 4. Thus, Russian Secretary of Defense Sergei Shoigu substantiated Russia's decision to place tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, accusing NATO of intensifying combat training and intelligence near the borders of Russia and Belarus. Also, the head of the Russian defense department accused the event of the escalation of war in Ukraine by providing additional military assistance to Ukraine on April 4.

Shoigu has intensified existing Russian nuclear threats, saying that Belarus has shock aircraft with nuclear weapons and Iskander-M system capable of causing nuclear stroke. In addition, Shoigu also stated that on April 3, Belarusian missile troops began training in Russia's Iskander-M systems, including the use of tactical nuclear weapons. According to analysts, Shoig's statements do not contain any new information about Belarusian training and are probably part of the information operation.

The ISW reminded that in February 2023, Belarusian servicemen were trained with Iskander systems in Russia. "The activation of shoigu rhetoric about nuclear blackmail coincides with Finland's accession to NATO and a new USA help package of Ukraine. Isw continues to believe that the risk of nuclear escalation remains extremely low and that Russian deployment of tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus is extremely unlikely" , - the analyst report says.

The ISW is convinced that Russian nuclear weapons are deployed in Belarus, in addition, it will probably remain under the control of Russian staff, constantly stationed in Belarus. On April 4, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoiga said Russia had handed over to Belarus the Iskander-M missile complex capable of strikes with ordinary and nuclear charges. The head of the defense department of Russia added that some of the Belarusian assault aircraft aircraft can be used by nuclear means of defeat.

All these measures are explained by the Russian military command by alleged protection of the security of the "union state". On the same day, April 4, the NSDC Secretary Alexei Danilov said that Moscow declares the transfer of neighboring Belarus "Iskander-M" complexes capable of carrying nuclear warheads, in order to "check" a more profitable position for negotiations.