Ukraine Crisis: Vladimir Putin raises nuclear alert status, US remains calm

Vladimir Putin raised the alert of his nuclear arsenal  

The prospect of an all-out nuclear war over the Ukraine crisis ticked up slightly on Sunday after Russian President Putin raised the alert level of his nuclear arsenal to “special combat readiness”.

It is done following the U.S. and its G7 partners ramping up sanctions, virtually cutting off Russia from the international financial system. 

The heightened alert is several steps short of a full-blown “Defcon” situation. It came even as Ukraine agreed to unconditional talks with Moscow after three days of holding out against Russian forces seeking to overrun Kyiv and Kharkiv.  

Washington reacted very calmly to Russia, with no public announcement regarding the status of its nuclear alert.   

Putin’s explanation for raising the nuclear alert status described as “aggressive statements” from Nato leaders  

Putin’s explanation for raising the nuclear alert status appeared to be what he described as “aggressive statements” from Nato leaders, along with crippling financial sanctions on Russia, including the president himself.

Although there was no immediate alarm in the U.S., experts warned of a slippery slope for both sides. 

Vladimir Putin escalated East-West tensions by placing Russian nuclear forces on high alert Sunday. At the same time, Ukraine’s leader agreed to have talks with Moscow. 

Russian forces encountered strong resistance from Ukraine defenders. Moscow has failed to win complete control of Ukraine’s airspace, despite advances across the country. U.S. officials believe the invasion has been more complex and slower than the Kremlin envisioned, though that could change as Moscow adapts.  

Western nations would buy and deliver weapons for Ukraine  

Amid the mounting tensions, Western nations said they would tighten sanctions and buy and deliver weapons for Ukraine, including Stinger missiles for shooting down helicopters and other aircraft.

Ukraine people are suffering 

A doctor pumping oxygen into the girl during the rescue attempt looked directly into the Associated Press video camera, capturing the scene, and growled. ” Show the eyes of this child and crying doctors to Putin.” 

Their resuscitation efforts failed. The girl lay dead on a gurney, and her jacket was spattered with blood. 

The residents of Chereniv have been told not to switch on any lights.

The window glasses were constantly shaking, and there was this constant thundering noise. 

Russia and the U.S. have land- and submarine-based nuclear forces. These are on alert and prepared for combat at all times, but nuclear-capable bombers and other aircraft are not. 

Strict curfew kept on streets 

Earlier Sunday, Kyiv was eerily quiet after explosions lit up the morning sky, and authorities reported blasts at one airport. The main boulevard was practically deserted as a strict curfew kept people off the streets. Authorities warned that anyone venturing out without a pass would be considered a Russian saboteur.

Russia’s failure thus far to win complete control of Ukraine’s airspace is a surprising lapse that has given outgunned Ukrainian forces a chance to slow the advance of Russian ground forces. Usually, gaining what the military calls air superiority is one of the priorities for an invading force. 

The number of casualties from Europe’s most significant land conflict since World War II remained unclear amid the confusion. A senior U.S. defence official said that would probably change. Russian troops are slowed by the attack resistance on Ukraine and logistical problems. 

Ukraine’s Interior Ministry said that 352 Ukrainian civilians had been killed. 

According to the U.N. refugee agency, about 368,000 Ukrainians have arrived in neighbouring countries since the invasion started Thursday. 

The U.S., European Union, U.S., and Britain agreed to block selected Russian banks from the SWIFT system 

The U.S., European Union, U.S., and Britain agreed to block selected Russian banks from the SWIFT system, moving money around thousands of banks and other financial institutions worldwide. They also moved to slap restrictions on Russia’s central bank. 

Russia’s economy is pounding. 

Rubles are plunging, and the central bank calls for calm to avoid bank runs. 

With 200,000 troops along Ukraine’s borders, Russia claims its assault is aimed only at military targets, but bridges, schools, and residential neighbourhoods were also hit.

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Published By: Jaspreet Singh

Edited By: Kritika Kashyap