Putin is once again threatening the world with nuclear weapons, using a well-known tool of blackmail. This time, his goal is to disrupt Ukraine’s permission to use long-range weapons on Russian territory. The Kremlin is trying to prevent strikes on strategic targets on its territory, realizing that this would seriously weaken its military capabilities. Despite such threats, the world is increasingly aware that this is another Russian leader’s bluff.
The situation becomes ridiculous, as according to the German Der Spiegel, Putin even consulted with Mongolian shamans to obtain “spiritual permission” to use nuclear weapons. This is not the first time he asked shamans. Before the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, he visited Tuva, considering these visits important for his power. While this news sounds like a yellow journalism, it is a serious source, which shows the level of desperation to which the Russian leader has reached.
While Putin threatens the world, Western experts and politicians do not consider his threats serious. Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said that the West should not be afraid of nuclear blackmail. According to him, Russian airfields where strategic aviation is based are a legitimate target for Ukraine, and it is time to lift all restrictions on the use of Western weapons against such facilities. “Putin will not start a war with NATO, his nuclear threats remain empty,” Sikorski said.
Meanwhile, Ukraine continues to suffer daily from Russian strikes. According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Russian aviation uses guided bombs against Ukrainian infrastructure, destroying about 80 % of the country’s energy grid. Each new attack by the Kremlin proves that Ukraine vitally needs permission to strike Russian military facilities. Without this, Ukraine will not be able to effectively protect its cities and citizens.
The calls for such right sound louder. Five former UK defence secretaries have already written to the government asking for permission for Ukraine to use Storm Shadow missiles on Russian territory. This support, along with the actions of the US, France, Germany and Italy, could significantly strengthen Ukraine’s defence capabilities.
The conclusions are clear: delay costs the lives of Ukrainians. Every day of destruction and death brings tragedy closer for all of Europe. Ukraine’s loss of this war would not only be its defeat – it would be a blow to NATO and the entire democratic world. Protecting Ukrainians is protecting all of Europe, and allies must act now to prevent further catastrophes.