Zhdanov: Lytvynenko’s statements on nuclear weapons should have been coordinated with the OP
17 June 2024 12:03
ЕКСКЛЮЗИВ
The head of the National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine, Oleksandr Lytvynenko, has suggested that Russian leader Vladimir Putin may decide to use tactical nuclear weapons in the event of a “catastrophic defeat” of his troops in Ukraine. Lytvynenko said this in an interview with The Times, reports "Komersant Ukrainian"
“We can’t rule out anything if Russia is on the verge of a catastrophic defeat.”
– said the NSDC Secretary when asked whether there are circumstances under which Putin could resort to the use of nuclear weapons. He explained that such a defeat could provoke the collapse of the Russian front, mass desertions from the army and protests in Moscow itself.
At the same time, Lytvynenko expressed doubt that Putin would risk using strategic nuclear weapons, as this would almost certainly trigger World War III.
“He wants to live,”
– the Security Council Secretary stressed.
However, Lytvynenko also noted that the defeat of Russia on the battlefield would not necessarily lead to the use of nuclear weapons, as Putin could try to present such a situation as a “victory” for his people.
Military expert Oleg Zhdanov criticised Lytvynenko’s statements.
“It is very difficult to comment on such statements. I think he should have consulted with the Presidential Office,”
– zhdanov said.
He stressed that even Western countries are cautious about commenting on nuclear issues. NATO and Russia are currently conducting exercises of their nuclear forces, but this does not mean their immediate use.
“There is a possibility of using nuclear weapons, but why make such statements? It will scare the population more and create additional psychological tension in society,”
– the expert emphasised.
Zhdanov expressed surprise at Lytvynenko’s making such harsh statements and stressed the importance of a coordinated position of the National Security and Defence Council and the Presidential Office on such a sensitive issue.
Meanwhile, NATO is negotiating to put nuclear weapons on standby.
