On the 21st of September, Vladimir Putin stated that he was “not bluffing” regarding the use of nuclear weapons. While some Russian leaders, such as Deputy Foreign Minister Rybakov, have stressed that there is no chance of nuclear war between Russia and the West, these remarks have once again put nuclear weapons and the prospect of a nuclear war in the spotlight. The U.S. has stated that upon the use of nuclear weapons in Ukraine by Russia, it would act decisively and cause devastating consequences for Russia. But how about the remaining members of the alliance? Should Russia use their nuclear option in Ukraine, European states would be between a rock and a hard place regarding their choice in response.
What can be done to prevent the use of nuclear weapons? How can the West better balance Russia? How should the alliance respond to nuclear threats and sabre rattling on the part of the Russian President and Foreign Minister? How should the alliance be seen on the international stage?
Speakers:
Jaromír Zůna, former First Deputy Chief of Staff of Czech Armed Forces
Moderator: Jan Havlíček, Analyst, Institute for Politics and Society
By invitation only.