[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Reports have emerged that Russia, cornered in the Ukraine war, is preparing a nuclear demonstration to pressure the West. With possibilities raised of nuclear tests in the Arctic Ocean or the use of tactical nuclear weapons on the Ukrainian front, concerns are growing that military tensions surrounding European security will further escalate.
On the 3rd (local time), according to the British daily The Times, NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) recently sent intelligence warnings to member and allied countries that Russia plans to test the nuclear torpedo weapon 'Poseidon.' According to the intelligence, the Russian submarine K-329 Belgorod, equipped with Poseidon, has been identified as having set sail toward the Arctic Ocean.
As Russia's situation on the Ukrainian front deteriorates, it is analyzed that nuclear demonstrations aimed at the West are intensifying. Since its invasion of Ukraine in February, Russia has consistently warned the United States and Western countries about the possibility of nuclear war.
Alongside the possibility of nuclear tests, there is also speculation about the actual use of some small-scale tactical nuclear weapons on the Ukrainian front. According to The Times, a train belonging to the Russian Ministry of Defense's nuclear equipment division was spotted moving toward the Ukrainian front from central Russia over the past weekend. The pro-Russian Telegram channel Rybar posted a video showing a large freight train transporting new personnel carriers and equipment.
Konrad Musika, a Polish defense analyst, stated, "This train is linked to the 12th Main Directorate of the Russian Ministry of Defense, which is responsible for nuclear equipment, its maintenance, transport, and unit deployment," adding, "It could be a signal sent to the West that Russia is increasing its show of force." A senior source also told The Times, "President Putin may further indicate his willingness to use nuclear weapons in the Black Sea, which borders southern Ukraine."
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