The United States and Russia both maintain a robust nuclear arsenal and conduct routine drills that simulate their alert status. However, if a deviation occurs, it would be obvious and noticeable. The US has school bus-sized satellites and a highly developed intelligence network, and these capabilities allow the U.S. to keep a close eye on Russia’s nuclear posture. Even if a Russian missile attack were to occur, the United States could respond.
During the Cold War, the United States had thousands of deployed nuclear weapons, each capable of destroying a large city or military installation. These weapons were carried on long-range bombers, short-range aircraft, and surface ships. Each of these weapons is capable of destroying an enemy country in 30 to 45 minutes, and hundreds of them can rain down on a European city in less than half an hour. The United States, however, has limited missile defense systems that can only protect a single city.
The US has thousands of deployed nuclear weapons. Each nuclear weapon can destroy a major city or military installation. They are deployed on submarines, long-range bombers, and short-range airplanes. A single nuclear weapon can wipe out an entire country in thirty to forty-five minutes. In less than half an hour, several hundred of these weapons could rain down on cities in Europe. While we have limited missile-defense systems, they cannot block all incoming missiles.
While Washington has repeatedly warned that a Russian nuclear attack could lead to global war, few people have taken the precaution to use the nuclear option. But there are many uncertainties and if the United States uses its nukes against Russia, it will end up with NATO members as well. While the threat of nuclear war is real, Washington is unsure whether it should risk a nuclear confrontation with Russia. Moreover, there is no clear consensus on whether or not to respond to a Russian attack. It is not certain that such a response will be successful.
Putin has declared the nuclear forces in a special combat readiness. Such a move evokes dangerous moments of the Cold War. If they are unable to use the conventional attack, they may resort to nuclear threats. If that does happen, the Soviets might have just 20 minutes before using their nuclear weapons. The Russians also have a 20-minute window to decide whether they want to use the weapons. While the Russians have a limited time to use them, they could still strike without warning.
It is important to remember that a nuclear war scenario is a scenario that is already firmly entrenched in history. The Russians are only now making this threat. If a nuclear attack occurs, the consequences could be catastrophic. There are two sides with a lot of nuclear weapons in their arsenals. One of them could target the other’s population. The other side can’t use the weapon if it isn’t capable of responding.
The Russians have already triggered nuclear war scenarios in the past, and it is very likely that they are preparing for such a scenario now. Their nuclear weapons are located in their own country and could be used against the U.S. If the Russians were to attack the U.S., would the U.S. respond? The Russians are already threatening the United States with a nuke.
Using nuclear weapons against the U.S. would significantly alter the nature of the conflict, and the ultimate goal of the global powers would be to remove Vladimir Putin’s government from power. Furthermore, the use of nuclear weapons would exclude the possibility of a nuclear war, but the U.S. and NATO should explicitly state that they will never use them against the Russians. If the Russians do decide to use them against the U.S., it will only serve to increase their desire to acquire them.
The US president has the authority to decide if nuclear weapons should be used against Russia. The President is pictured watching the launch of a nuclear missile cruiser. The Russians are currently testing a nuclear power cruise missile. They have the option to use them to respond to the US. And if they do use them, it is crucial to understand the potential for this to happen. Despite the fact that they have the ability to nuke the U.S., the US should be prepared to protect itself from such a situation.