President Biden stood in an Upper East Side townhouse owned by businessman James Murdoch, surrounded by liberal New York Democrats who had paid to hear optimistic talk about his agenda. It was Oct. 6, 2022, but instead, he shared a disturbing message based on intercepted communications suggesting President Vladimir V. Putin’s threats to use a nuclear weapon in Ukraine might be turning into a plan.
He warned of a direct threat of nuclear weapon use if the situation continued. Intercepted communications revealed discussions within the Russian military about reaching into the nuclear arsenal, with some involving logistics of detonating a weapon on the battlefield. Although there was no evidence of weapons being moved, the likelihood of nuclear use could rise under certain scenarios.
The fear of nuclear weapon use led to extensive White House planning and preparations for a U.S. reaction. Mr. Biden expressed concerns about Mr. Putin’s capabilities and potential use of tactical nuclear weapons. The crisis passed, but Russia has since made new nuclear threats.
The White House was deeply concerned about potential nuclear weapon use and prepared for various scenarios. Task forces met to map out responses, emphasizing nonnuclear countermeasures. The fear of emboldening authoritarian leaders with nuclear arsenals led to discussions about potential reactions, including conventional attacks on units that launched nuclear weapons.
Wargaming scenarios considered different circumstances for Mr. Putin’s use of a tactical nuclear weapon. Efforts were made to prevent nuclear use, including diplomatic efforts with Russia and China. Urgent meetings of emissaries were proposed to address the escalating situation and prevent the use of nuclear weapons in the Ukraine conflict.
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