The revelations from the former Russian officer highlight the high state of readiness and the serious nature of Russia's nuclear capabilities amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The statements made by the German intelligence chief indicate a growing concern within NATO regarding Russia's military strategies and the potential for escalation into direct conflict.
As tensions escalate, NATO may increasingly consider invoking Article 5, leading to a more direct military response against Russian actions.
The situation could lead to a reevaluation of nuclear strategies by both NATO and Russia, potentially increasing the risk of miscalculation.
A former officer of the Russian nuclear forces has revealed insights into Russia's nuclear strategy during the Ukraine war, indicating that combat alert was in place from the onset of the conflict. The officer, who remains anonymous for safety reasons, stated that nuclear forces were prepared for deployment and that their unit was primarily tasked with guarding nuclear weapons rather than engaging in combat. He emphasized the professionalism and rigorous selection process of personnel at the nuclear facility, countering claims from Western experts about the functionality of Russia's nuclear arsenal. Meanwhile, the head of Germany's foreign intelligence service has warned that the increasing military build-up by Russia raises the possibility of a direct military confrontation with NATO, particularly as hybrid warfare tactics are employed against Western targets.