Nuclear War Risk High! European Nations Urge Citizens to Stockpile Food, Water

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts:

The risk of nuclear war has increased following Ukraine’s missile strike on Russia using US-supplied missiles.
Russia has lowered the threshold for using nuclear weapons.
Several NATO countries have advised citizens to stockpile food, water, and medicine for emergencies.
Sweden and Finland have released brochures instructing citizens on emergency preparedness.
This event has heightened global tensions.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth:

The threat of nuclear war feels closer than ever. On Tuesday, President Vladimir Putin lowered the threshold for Russia’s use of nuclear weapons. This followed Ukraine’s launch of six long-range US-made missiles at targets inside Russia. NATO countries are increasingly concerned and have advised their citizens to prepare for war.

Sweden warned its residents to “shelter” due to fears of a nuclear war. This pamphlet, issued only five times since World War II, has been sent to every Swedish household.

In a dangerous escalation of the Ukraine-Russia war, Ukrainian forces fired six US-made long-range missiles at Russia’s Bryansk region late Tuesday. The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed this attack. Moscow is likely to view this as a major provocation, potentially leading to a forceful retaliation.

Many NATO countries are urging their citizens to prepare for war. Denmark sent emails advising citizens to stockpile three days’ worth of dry rations, water, and medicine for emergencies, including a potential nuclear attack.

Finland updated its online brochure on “preparing for incidents and crises” amid the escalating conflict. Finland joined the US-led NATO military alliance last year, while Sweden joined in March this year following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

This concern stems from US President Joe Biden’s decision to allow Ukraine to use long-range missiles to strike deep within Russia. These US-made Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) have a range exceeding 300km.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has made it clear he intends to use these missiles against Russia.

On the 1000th day of the Russia-Ukraine War, Putin lowered the threshold for Russia’s use of nuclear weapons in response. He signed a revised nuclear doctrine declaring that a conventional attack on Russia supported by a nuclear power would be considered a joint attack.

In simpler terms, Russia would consider using nuclear weapons against a non-nuclear state if it receives support from nuclear powers. Russia is a nuclear power with one of the world’s largest nuclear arsenals, while Ukraine gave up its entire nuclear stockpile in 1994. However, Ukraine is backed by several nuclear powers, including the US.

The war between Russia and Ukraine, which began on February 24, 2022, has escalated, bringing the world to the brink. Russia has even deployed North Korean soldiers to the frontlines. The level of preparedness also depends on a nation’s proximity to Russia’s borders.

Finland has been more cautious about a potential world war due to its long border with Russia and its wartime experience with the Soviet Union in World War II. Sweden, however, has only recently begun preparing for a major war.

Key Takeaways to Remember:

The escalating Russia-Ukraine war has heightened the risk of nuclear conflict. NATO countries are advising citizens to prepare for emergencies. This development poses a significant threat to global security.