Russia, Nuclear Attack Imminent? ... Large Order of Iodine Medicine for Nuclear Accident Preparedness

Putin "Mobilizing All Means to Protect Russia" Hints at Nuclear Use
Russia Conducts Referendums for Annexation in Occupied Areas

Russia is reported to have ordered a significant amount of iodine, a medicine used to prevent radiation exposure, raising speculation that President Putin's use of nuclear weapons may be imminent. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

[Asia Economy Reporter Bora Lee] On the 27th (local time), a Ukrainian media outlet reported that Russia has placed a large order for iodine, a medicine used to prevent radiation exposure. Iodine-based medicines are known as essential pharmaceuticals to prepare for fatal radiation exposure in the event of a nuclear accident or nuclear war.

The Ukrainian independent media outlet "The New Voice of Ukraine" (NV) stated, based on a bidding plan posted on the Russian procurement agency's website, that Russia plans to purchase iodine for 5 million rubles. The procurement procedure period is only four days.

This has raised concerns amid speculation that Russian President Vladimir Putin might be considering the use of nuclear weapons.

Earlier, on the 21st, President Putin announced a mobilization order for 300,000 reservists to be sent to the Ukrainian battlefield, stating, "We will mobilize all available means to protect Russia," implying the possibility of nuclear weapon use in an emergency.

However, this is not the first time Russian government agencies have purchased iodine. According to the Russian media outlet Kommersant, a similar iodine purchase bid for the same amount was submitted from late December 2020 to early March 2021. The difference, NV pointed out, is the urgency of the bid, as this time the purchase was decided urgently.

Meanwhile, Russia has conducted referendums for official annexation by Russia in the Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics (DPR and LPR), established by pro-Russian separatist forces, as well as in the southern regions of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia, occupied by Russian troops.

If these Ukrainian regions are annexed by Russia through this process, Russia will have justification for the use of nuclear weapons. If the Ukrainian military conducts military operations to reclaim the territory, Russia could consider it an invasion.

Amid this, the White House warned the Kremlin that there would be "serious consequences" if nuclear weapons are used against Ukraine and stated that it is prepared to take "decisive action" together with its allies.