Interpretation of the intention to mitigate the ‘nuclear threat’ in the face of practical difficulties
Ukraine retakes two villages of Kherson
Russia has said it has not decided on the boundaries of the four states in the southeastern part of Ukraine that Russia has decided to annex into its territory.
According to TAS news agency, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said at a regular briefing on the 3rd (local time) that he would “consult with local residents” to determine the territorial boundaries of Kherson and Zaporiza regions in Ukraine, which Russia has agreed to annex. said. He added that the format of the consultation might not be determined. This means that Russia has not yet determined the boundaries of the territories it intends to annex.
Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a treaty annexing Ukraine’s Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson and Zaporiza provinces into Russian territory on the 1st. However, it is unclear whether the entire state will be annexed or only areas currently occupied by Russian forces.
None of the four provinces in southeastern Ukraine are under full control of the Russian military. As the Ukrainian army advances, the front is constantly changing.
Ukrainian forces recaptured Liman, Donetsk Province, on the 2nd, just one day following Russia’s declaration of annexation. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on the 3rd that Ukrainian forces had recaptured two small settlements in Kherson, Arhanhelsk and Mirolivivka, in addition to Rieman. President Zelensky has repeatedly said that he will “punish those who participate in manipulating referendums on Ukrainian territory”.
The Guardian interpreted Peskov’s remarks as softening Putin’s remarks when he pulled out a ‘use of tactical nuclear weapons’ card. Earlier, Putin hinted at the use of tactical nuclear weapons in Ukraine, saying he would defend Russian territory “with all available force and means” ahead of the annexation of Ukraine’s four states.
Former CIA director, retired Army General David Petrace, said in a Guardian column that if Russia used nuclear weapons, the United States and its allies would destroy Russia’s Black Sea fleet and conventional weapons. He conveyed his intention to neutralize Russia’s military power by destroying Russia’s conventional weapons instead of responding with nuclear weapons if nuclear weapons were used. Pertrace added that it was not discussed with US national security adviser Jake Sullivan.
