A prominent Russian foreign policy expert, Dmitry Suslov, has suggested a controversial plan for a public display of nuclear power.

Suslov proposes a "demonstrative" nuclear detonation in response to the possibility of Ukraine using Western-supplied weaponry to strike targets within Russia. This suggestion comes amidst heightened tensions between Russia and the West regarding Ukraine's use of Western weapons on Russian soil.

The Ukrainian government has expressed the need for long-range missiles to counter Russian attacks and defend its territory. While some Western nations support this stance, the United States has yet to take a clear position.

Russia, possessing the world's largest nuclear arsenal, views such actions as a dangerous escalation. Moscow warns that it could draw NATO and other involved countries into a direct conflict, potentially triggering a nuclear war.

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Image Source: Rand

Suslov argues for a forceful response to deter the West. He proposes a non-military nuclear explosion as a severe warning. In a business magazine article, he highlights the intended psychological effect: "The image of a nuclear mushroom cloud broadcasted globally would serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of war, a fear that Western powers seem to have forgotten."

Suslov's proposal is not an isolated incident. Several Russian security experts have recently advocated for nuclear tests to intimidate the West. These discussions have caused significant concern among Western security analysts, who fear Russia might be edging closer to carrying out such a test.

The Kremlin has yet to officially respond to Suslov's suggestion, and Russia's official nuclear doctrine remains unchanged. However, recent actions, such as ordering tactical nuclear weapon drills, suggest the Kremlin's growing discontent with what it perceives as escalating Western aggression.

Suslov's recommendations extend beyond the nuclear display. He proposes large-scale strategic nuclear drills and strong warnings to countries supplying weapons to Ukraine.

He suggests that Russia reserves the right to strike any nation that allows its weapons to be used against Russia and even contemplates the use of nuclear weapons in retaliation for a conventional attack.

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