The Potential Use of Tactical-Nuclear Weapons in the Russia-Ukraine Conflict and the Search for Peace

Abstract

Since the Russians invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, the potential of nuclear weapons has increased. Specifically, the potential use of tactical nuclear weapons. As war has been wagered between Russia and Ukraine/NATO, the threats of escalation continue to rise. This thesis will focus solely on the use and role of nuclear weapons in the context of the Russia- Ukraine conflict. This will include how these weapons may affect the behavior and perspectives of Russia, the United States/NATO, and other global actors. I do not believe that it is possible to use tactical nukes without further escalation because of the consequences that would follow. These consequences would be nuclear fallout, international turmoil, and the possibility of millions of lives lost. However, I think it is the responsibility of the countries involved to figure out solutions to stop discussion of these weapons being used at all. Recommendations that Russia and the United States/NATO needs to consider is negotiation, creating an international arms control treaty for the non-use of tactical nuclear weapons, and to abandon current the Cold War mentality. I conclude that the chances of using tactical nuclear weapons without further escalation are slim to none because the Pentagon has not seen a significant change in the operation of Russia’s nuclear forces since the start of the war, and Putin would not want to go to nuclear war with the most powerful arsenal in the world (the United States)Answers to these questions can be used to guide leaders of nuclear nations on how to act rationally when faced with situations of potential nuclear use. The research that will be conducted to support this information has been a mixed methods study of qualitative review case studies, augmented with interviews, and information on current literature.