Putin has already proved that he is capable of illogical and self-defeating decisions. Given the magnitude of consequence of a nuclear strike, our potential options merit thought, by our leaders and by American citizens alike.īy invading Ukraine, Mr.

In 2012, I noted that Russia was the biggest geopolitical adversary to the United States, and it clearly remains a source of great concern to both Republicans and Democrats.

Nor has the administration’s rhetoric stooped to Mr. President Biden is right not to have elevated our nuclear DEFCON level. We should imagine the unimaginable, specifically how we would respond militarily and economically to such a seismic shift in the global geopolitical terrain. Nevertheless, we should be prepared the former secretary of state Henry Kissinger has argued that we should give the threat consideration. Putin could use a tactical nuclear weapon, even if there is no “practical evidence” right now to suggest it is imminent. director, William Burns, has warned of the possibility that Mr. Vladimir Putin himself has noted that he has weapons his opponents do not and that he will “use them, if needed.” Even the C.I.A. By claiming that Russia is readying its weapons, by warning of a “serious” risk of nuclear escalation and by declaring “there are few rules left,” they purposefully rattled the ultimate saber. Russia’s foreign minister and its ambassador to the United States have both signaled that Russia’s debacle in Ukraine could lead to a nuclear strike.

What defcon level are we at