Biden's NPR links US nuclear policy to Europe

Significance

Secretary of State Antony Blinken subsequently said that there was “no reason to adjust” US nuclear posture in response to Russia’s deployment of short-range nuclear weapons to neighbouring Belarus. However, Kyiv will want assurances about the US response to any nuclear escalation by Moscow.

Impacts

• Putin’s threats to use nuclear weapons will strengthen NATO resolve to maintain a strong regional nuclear deterrent deployed in Europe.
• Biden will use Russia’s nuclear sabre-rattling to shore up US domestic support for supplying Kyiv with advanced weaponry.
• Republicans in Congress, and those running for president, will talk up the danger of nuclear escalation under the Biden administration.