NATO official: No serious risk of Russian nuclear escalation at present

NATO's Patrick Turner emphasizes the Alliance's measured approach to Moscow's nuclear rhetoric.

Oct 15, 2024 - 12:00

NATO official: No serious risk of Russian nuclear escalation at present

nato official serious risk russian nuclear escalation present patrick turner senior representative ukraine

In an interview with Ukrinform on 15 October, NATO senior representative in Ukraine, Patrick Turner, has stated that the Alliance currently sees no serious risk of nuclear escalation by Russia, despite Moscow’s continued nuclear threats.

The interview comes in the wake of recent statements by Putin regarding changes to Russia’s nuclear doctrine, including an expansion of the categories of states and military alliances subject to Russian nuclear deterrence. However, the European Union has stated that Putin’s new nuclear threats against non-nuclear countries will not alter the EU’s position on continuing support for Ukraine.

Turner addressed the ongoing concerns about Russian nuclear saber-rattling in the context of its aggressive war against Ukraine, saying:

“First, to be very clear, NATO’s current assessment is that there is not a serious risk now of some kind of nuclear escalation by Russia,” Turner emphasized, adding that while NATO continues to monitor Russia’s nuclear doctrine and posture, they “don’t see signs of preparation for a different, seriously different Russian nuclear posture.”

The NATO official stressed the Alliance’s role in defense and deterrence, stating,

“We do have all the capabilities necessary to defend Allies from all threats.”

Turner emphasized NATO’s commitment to a measured approach, saying,

“This is an area where rhetoric is exceedingly unhelpful so we’re not going to engage in it and we will continue being calm and measured and take the decisions we need to keep on supporting Ukraine.”

Turner also discussed NATO’s ongoing nuclear deterrence exercises, including the recently launched Steadfast Noon exercise. The two-week exercise, which began on 14 October, involves more than 60 aircraft conducting training flights over Western Europe. Turner clarified that the exercise does not involve live weapons.

Quoting NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Turner said,

“Steadfast Noon is an important test of the Alliance’s nuclear deterrent and sends a clear message to any adversary that NATO will protect and defend all Allies.”

The NATO representative underscored the Alliance’s consistent message to Moscow that “a nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought.”

NATO’s new Secretary General Mark Rutte had previously called on allies not to fear Russian leader Vladimir Putin’s nuclear saber-rattling, asserting that the Alliance is strong and capable of responding to any threats.

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