Surge in Nuclear Brinksmanship Cannot Regain Russia’s Position of Strength

(Pavel K. Baev – The Jamestown Foundation) Russia’s setbacks in economic, military, and foreign policies are undermining confidence in its eventual victory, prompting Russian President Vladimir Putin to intensify nuclear brinkmanship as his primary remaining instrument for coercion and strategic leverage. Recent Russian nuclear demonstrations are likely aimed at intimidating the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and Ukraine but have failed to generate significant Western reactions. Putin’s escalating nuclear brinkmanship reflects growing desperation rather than strategic confidence, increasing the risk of miscalculation as Ukraine remains undeterred and the July NATO summit approaches. – Surge in Nuclear Brinksmanship Cannot Regain Russia’s Position of Strength – Jamestown