Russia's Nuclear Threat: Is Putin Bluffing Again?

In recent developments, Vladimir Putin has issued a nuclear threat to the West, reminiscent of Cold War tensions. This statement was made during a visit to a Cold War bunker in Moscow, which has now been converted into a museum. Visitors, including a Russian tour group, expressed a belief that in the current geopolitical climate, possessing nuclear weapons without using them could be seen as a form of suicide. This sentiment reflects a growing anxiety among Russians about their security situation, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Maria Butina, a Russian MP, suggested that if Ukraine were to strike inside Russia using British Storm Shadow missiles, Moscow might respond decisively. However, analysts outside Russia argue that despite the aggressive rhetoric, the Kremlin is unlikely to engage in a nuclear conflict with the West, as both sides prefer to avoid escalation. The situation remains tense, with the potential for miscalculations that could lead to a dangerous confrontation.