Russia-Ukraine war brings nuclear risk to level not seen since Cuban missile crisis

Authors

Erika Simpson, University of Western Ontario (Western University)Follow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

10-10-2022

Journal

Hill Times

Abstract

The current Russian-Ukraine crisis is marked by escalating tensions and heightened nuclear threats, reminiscent of Cold War anxieties. Vladimir Putin's strategic maneuvers, including partial mobilization and veiled nuclear warnings, underscore a perilous geopolitical standoff. The risk of nuclear use, potentially greater than during the Cuban missile crisis, looms amid fears that Russia might resort to tactical nuclear weapons. International responses, from stark warnings by Western leaders to diplomatic appeals from global powers like China and India, emphasize efforts to prevent catastrophic escalation. Amidst military developments and societal opposition within Russia, the crisis underscores the delicate balance between deterrence and conflict resolution on a global scale.

Notes

First published in The Hill Times, Canada' foremost foreign and defense policy magazine.