By Bianca Jashnani
Russian nuclear weapons put on high alert
Putin has often indicated that Ukraine has been overtaken by extremists. Putin announced his invasion of Ukraine on the 24th of February because Russia could not feel “safe, develop and exist” as modern Ukraine was a constant threat.
Immediately Ukraine was taken over by land, water and air. Armoured vehicles rattled down highways, bomber aircrafts flew overhead and ships landed on ports. Since then there has been bloodshed and violence in Ukraine.
On Sunday, 27th February, Putin gathered the defence minister and military chief of staff and ordered them to put Russia’s nuclear weapons on high alert. This raised concern all over the world as the invasion could result in a nuclear war.
“Knowing our president, it is hard to say what he will do next. He can do whatever he wants to get what he wants and that is what scares me the most,” said 27-year-old Alex Weber, physician.
“He has already caused a lot of pain and trauma for Ukraine in six days, and the threat of nuclear weapons doesn’t help the situation. I wish none of this ever happened and that we can all live in peace.
“I have never been pro-Russian and don’t think I will ever be if this is the way it continues to be.”
Unprovoked Invasion
The unprovoked invasion of Ukraine by Russia has caused chaos. Putin’s army has shelled multiple cities and killed at least 350 people and left more than 1000 wounded.
“The threat of violence is more powerful than violence itself. Putin is using the threat of violence to bargain for what he wants, which is Ukraine,” said Eumna Rasool, 20, International Relations student.
“Putin’s using nuclear weapons as a way to get Ukraine as this won’t cause any more trouble than he already has but of course it doesn’t help the situation because sooner or later other countries might get involved. Let’s say if he goes ahead with the nuclear war, he won’t even get Ukraine because half of it will be destroyed.
“Since this doesn’t fulfil the status of his purpose, it is very unlikely he will go through with it and destroy the country he wants.”
Putin’s cryptic messages
Even though Putin’s message was clear, defence ministries and nuclear experts were puzzled by his cryptic messages which are as follows, “transfer the deterrence forces” – a reference to nuclear weapons – “of the Russian army to a special mode of combat duty”.
“I don’t think Putin will want to have a nuclear war. Unlike NATO and the US, Russia has its nukes always ready, so is it even real?,” said Li Zhang, 50, retired marketing agent.
“Ukraine will not agree to having a pro-Moscow leader run their country, and this will definitely cause more death and violence and prolong the invasion. But why should a country have to give up its freedom, it is so unfair!
“I hope that this all passes by soon, no one wants to see so many people in such a difficult situation especially when the Russian president has told the world not to interfere or there will be major consequences.”
Zhang further added that he is “glad” that the EU is offering Ukraine support and that a “lot of countries have stopped supporting Russia by divesting various stakes in major Russian corporations”.
Britain’s defence secretary, Ben Wallace, told BBC that the UK didn’t recognize Putin’s terms and that they are not in the Russian doctrine. He further said that Putin’s threat is scare to the west so that they don’t get involved and is using it as a distraction to his failed attempt to take over Ukraine as quickly as he anticipated.
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