Russia’s potential for nuclear action should be recognized by its adversaries – former Kremlin adviser : Analysis

Former Kremlin adviser Sergey Karaganov has called for an urgent revision of Russia’s nuclear doctrine to include the option of a nuclear response to major military aggression against the country. Karaganov criticized the current doctrine as outdated and ineffective in deterring adversaries, stating that Russia’s nuclear policy must convey a credible willingness to use nuclear weapons to deter potential threats. Karaganov warned that a lack of a strong nuclear deterrent could escalate conflicts to a nuclear World War III within a few years. He emphasized the importance of clarifying Russia’s nuclear escalation steps in the revised doctrine to eliminate uncertainty for adversaries. President Putin, however, has taken a more restrained approach, expressing reluctance to use nuclear weapons and advocating for caution in discussing nuclear capabilities. Putin highlighted the destructive consequences of nuclear conflict and suggested that Russia’s retaliatory strike capability serves as a sufficient deterrent without the need for preemptive nuclear action at present.

Analysis:
The article presents differing views on Russia’s nuclear doctrine, with former Kremlin adviser Sergey Karaganov advocating for a more aggressive nuclear posture to deter adversaries while President Putin favors a more restrained approach. Karaganov’s call for an urgent revision of the nuclear doctrine to explicitly include the option of a nuclear response to major military aggression highlights a more assertive stance towards nuclear deterrence. The emphasis on clarifying Russia’s nuclear escalation steps in the revised doctrine to eliminate ambiguity sends a strong signal of readiness to use nuclear weapons in response to threats.

President Putin’s cautious approach, expressing reluctance to utilize nuclear weapons and emphasizing the destructive consequences of nuclear conflict, presents a contrasting perspective aimed at maintaining stability and avoiding escalations. His argument that Russia’s existing retaliatory strike capability already serves as a deterrent aligns with efforts to prevent nuclear conflict.

The credibility of the sources in this article is sound, considering that the individuals cited are prominent figures in Russia’s political and strategic circles. However, the potential biases within the article emanate from the differing perspectives presented by Karaganov and Putin, reflecting internal debates within Russian policymaking circles. The presentation of facts appears balanced, encompassing the views of both proponents of a more aggressive stance and advocates of caution in nuclear matters.

The article’s impact could vary based on readers’ preconceptions and the broader political landscape regarding nuclear proliferation and deterrence. The prevalence of fake news and misinformation might influence public perception by amplifying sensationalized aspects of the differing viewpoints, potentially leading to misunderstandings about Russia’s nuclear policy. The nuanced understanding of the topic requires considering both the need for credible deterrence measures and the risks associated with nuclear weapons use, urging policymakers and the public to navigate these complexities judiciously.

Source: RT news: Enemies must realize Russia could go nuclear – ex-Kremlin adviser