Leaked Russian Military Documents Show Low Threshold for Use of Nuclear Weapons

Leaked documents reveal the Russian military’s policies for usage of tactical nuclear weapons, including details about the surprisingly low threshold to justify usage, the Financial Times reported Wednesday.

The documents say Russia could be justified in use of tactical nuclear weapons by:

• The destruction of at least three large surface warships
• The loss of three or more airfields
• The destruction of 30 percent of nuclear attack submarines
• Simultaneous strikes on certain command centers

These stipulations outline a threshold that is “lower than Russia has ever publicly admitted, according to experts who reviewed and verified the documents,” the Financial Times wrote.

Putin’s threats: The day after the leak, Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered his state of the nation speech, which included vows that if Western nations deepen their involvement in Ukraine’s defense, it may prompt Russia to use nuclear weapons.

They must realize that we also have weapons that can hit targets on their territory. What they are now suggesting and scaring the world with, all that raises the real threat of a nuclear conflict that will mean the destruction of our civilization.
—Vladimir Putin

The leaks and remarks from Putin come days after French President Emmanuel Macron said Western nations should not rule out the idea of sending troops into Ukraine to aid the nation’s defense against Russia.

Nuclear war: The Trumpet believes nuclear World War iii will not be started by Russia’s war on Ukraine. Nevertheless, nuclear war is approaching, and Russia will be a major player in that unprecedentedly devastating conflict.

Learn more: Read Nuclear Armageddon Is ‘At the Door.’