(Dan Tri) – Ukraine’s unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) attacks on a Russian radar station may have crossed one of Moscow’s red lines regarding the ability to respond with nuclear weapons.
Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that Russia is ready to use nuclear weapons if there is any threat to the country’s existence, independence, and sovereignty (Photo: AFP).
According to Newsweek, Ukrainian UAVs are believed to have targeted radio technical center 590 of unit 84680 in the city of Kovilkino on April 11 and April 17.
This is where the 29B6 Container `over-the-horizon` radar is located, which forms part of Russia’s reconnaissance and early warning network for aerospace attacks, including missile attacks
The extent of damage caused by the attack is unknown, but Ukrainian media reported that the command building of this location was damaged in the attack on April 11.
If the Container radar system is affected, Ukraine’s attacks could be considered crossing one of the red lines related to Russia’s ability to use nuclear weapons in response according to the President’s 2020 decree.
These factors include `receipt of reliable information about the launch of ballistic missile attacks on the territory of Russia and/or its allies` and `the use of nuclear weapons or other weapons of mass destruction by the enemy`
Other factors include `enemy impact on Russian military installations or critical infrastructure leading to disruption of nuclear force response actions`, or `threatening aggressive action`.
According to US media, from the end of 2022, Washington has begun to actively prepare for the risk of Russia using nuclear weapons in Ukraine.
The United States also works closely with allies to develop contingency plans for a Russian nuclear attack and to send deterrent messages to Russia about the consequences of such an attack.
Russia has repeatedly stated its nuclear doctrine.
However, he also affirmed that Russia currently has no need to use tactical nuclear weapons in its military campaign in Ukraine.
On the other hand, the Kremlin owner said that technically, Russia is ready for nuclear war and if the US sends troops to Ukraine, Russia will consider it a significant escalation of the war.
Western adversaries `must realize that Russia also has weapons that can strike targets on their territory,` he warned.