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Ukrainecast

How serious are Putin's nuclear threats?

Nov 20, 2024
Shashank Joshi, Defence Editor at The Economist, dives into the serious implications of Russia's evolving nuclear doctrine. He discusses the strategic value of ATACMS for Ukraine and the controversial use of anti-personnel landmines. The conversation delves into the risks of escalation, how Western military support could shift the dynamics, and the likelihood of nuclear deployment amidst rising tensions. Joshi provides expert insights on the geopolitical landscape and the complexities of military technology in the ongoing conflict.
21:06

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The controversial decision to supply Ukraine with non-persistent anti-personnel landmines raises concerns about their effectiveness and civilian safety.
  • Russia's revised nuclear doctrine indicates a dangerously lower threshold for nuclear weapons use, amplifying fears of potential escalation in the conflict.

Deep dives

US Support with Controversial Landmines

The recent decision by the US government to supply Ukraine with anti-personnel landmines has sparked considerable debate. These landmines are designed to detonate when a person approaches, targeting mainly soldiers rather than armored vehicles. While the US military argues for their utility in military operations, the use of such mines is controversial due to existing international bans, like the Ottawa Convention. The landmines provided to Ukraine are non-persistent, meaning they are intended to deactivate after a specific time, but concerns persist regarding their actual effectiveness and the potential risk to civilians.

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