Analysis & Opinions
In Russia’s Nuclear Messaging to West and Ukraine, Putin Plays Both Bad and Good Cop
Should a nuclear war “never be unleashed?” Can nuclear weapons be used to “ensure the safety of the Russian people?” Both, according to President Vladimir Putin, who has become fond of alternating assertive and conciliatory tones in his messaging on the conditions for the use of nuclear arms. Such discourse comes as he tries to coerce Ukraine into accepting his land grabs and prevent the West from escalating assistance to Kyiv, all while keeping China content.
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For Academic Citation:
Saradzhyan, Simon, "In Russia’s Nuclear Messaging to West and Ukraine, Putin Plays Both Bad and Good Cop," PONARS, December 23, 2022.
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The full text of this publication is available via PONARS.Saradzhyan, Simon, "In Russia’s Nuclear Messaging to West and Ukraine, Putin Plays Both Bad and Good Cop," PONARS, December 23, 2022.
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