Vladimir Putin recently ramped up Russia's nuclear readiness status which raises a lot of questions about nuclear weapons. Moreover, some in the U.S. in Congress and in the media have called for the introduction into Ukraine of American air power which could certainly escalate to a nuclear exchange.
The Heritage Foundation's policy analyst for nuclear deterrence and missile defense, Patti-Jane Geller, has been asked by The Daily Signal to give her thoughts on these matters, which she does by answering six questions posed to her by the Daily Signal.
I've listed the six questions she addresses in bold along with one or two of her sentences that give a succinct summary of her more detailed answer. If you're interested in her more extensive responses I encourage you to read the whole article:
1. Putin put Russia’s nuclear forces on high alert during the invasion of Ukraine. What is the likelihood he would use nuclear weapons, and on who and what? "The simplest answer to this question is that while the likelihood is not high, it is not zero either."
2. A nuclear attack by Russia on the United States seems extremely unlikely. But what should be the U.S. response, and that of NATO, if Russia hits Ukraine with a nuclear weapon? "Ukraine is not a NATO member, and therefore the United States does not extend its nuclear umbrella over Ukraine. Nor are the United States and NATO currently involved in the conflict militarily, so they have no obligation to respond using military force."
3. Just out of curiosity, how much of the United States could be reached by a Russian nuclear attack? "All of it."
4. Does the United States have an adequate missile defense system in place under the worst-case scenario to defend itself or to defend allies from a Russian nuclear attack? Do Eastern European allies have adequate missile defense systems? "Many Americans find it hard to believe that we have no way to defend against a major Russian nuclear attack."
5. By most counts, Russia has several hundred more nuclear warheads than the United States. How relevant is this? Or would such a conflict bring such annihilation that it almost wouldn’t matter? Concerning strategic warheads [warheads mounted on ballistic missiles which could travel thousands of miles] there's a rough parity. Concerning non-strategic "battlefield" weapons [nuclear weapons of relatively shorter range and lower blast yields designed for use on the battlefield] the Russians have a 10 to 1 advantage over the U.S. (2000 to 200)
6. Anything else about Russia’s nuclear capabilities that Americans should keep in mind as Putin’s rhetoric harshens? "As much as U.S. policymakers might like to wish away nuclear weapons from existence, unfortunately, the enemy gets a vote. Putin’s recent inflammatory rhetoric, nuclear saber-rattling, and military actions in Ukraine are proof of the need for a strong, modern U.S. nuclear force."