US and allies step up intelligence amid Putin's nuclear threats - Media

US and allies step up intelligence amid Putin's nuclear threats - Media

U.S. and allied intelligence agencies are stepping up efforts to identify any Russian military movements or communications that may indicate that Vladimir Putin ordered the use of nuclear weapons in Ukraine.

 

 This was reported by Politico with reference to five current and former US officials.

 

 Sources warn that any signs that the Russian leader has decided to do the unthinkable - in a desperate bid to seize the initiative or intimidate the international community into complying with his demands - may come too late.

 

 Most Russian aircraft, along with conventional missiles and rocket launchers, can also deliver smaller tactical nuclear weapons. These weapons are designed for more targeted use on the battlefield than strategic weapons such as intercontinental ballistic missiles that send out signals when their units are on alert or assembled for exercises.

 

 This means that unless Putin or his commanders want the world to know in advance, the US may never know when Russian forces switch from conventional munitions to atomic bombs.

 

 "We are watching this more closely," said a US official with access to intelligence on Moscow's nuclear forces and strategy.

 

 The latest effort includes the deployment of additional U.S. and allied intelligence assets -- in the air, space and cyberspace -- and a heavy reliance on commercial satellites to analyze Russian units on the ground that might acquire nuclear weapons, the official said.

 

 Another area of ​​focus outside Ukraine is the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad, sandwiched between Poland and Lithuania, where the Kremlin has installed dual-use weapons systems and hypersonic missiles.

 

 Over the past week, flight tracking websites have shown several US Air Force RC-135 Rivet Joint electronic surveillance planes circling the city, allegedly gathering data. Over the past few years, Russia has upgraded its missile bases in Kaliningrad, raising concerns about a potential nuclear build-up in the area.



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U.S. and allied intelligence agencies are stepping up efforts to identify any Russian military movements or communications that may indicate that Vladimir Putin ordered the use of nuclear weapons in Ukraine.

 

 This was reported by Politico with reference to five current and former US officials.

 

 Sources warn that any signs that the Russian leader has decided to do the unthinkable - in a desperate bid to seize the initiative or intimidate the international community into complying with his demands - may come too late.

 

 Most Russian aircraft, along with conventional missiles and rocket launchers, can also deliver smaller tactical nuclear weapons. These weapons are designed for more targeted use on the battlefield than strategic weapons such as intercontinental ballistic missiles that send out signals when their units are on alert or assembled for exercises.

 

 This means that unless Putin or his commanders want the world to know in advance, the US may never know when Russian forces switch from conventional munitions to atomic bombs.

 

 "We are watching this more closely," said a US official with access to intelligence on Moscow's nuclear forces and strategy.

 

 The latest effort includes the deployment of additional U.S. and allied intelligence assets -- in the air, space and cyberspace -- and a heavy reliance on commercial satellites to analyze Russian units on the ground that might acquire nuclear weapons, the official said.

 

 Another area of ​​focus outside Ukraine is the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad, sandwiched between Poland and Lithuania, where the Kremlin has installed dual-use weapons systems and hypersonic missiles.

 

 Over the past week, flight tracking websites have shown several US Air Force RC-135 Rivet Joint electronic surveillance planes circling the city, allegedly gathering data. Over the past few years, Russia has upgraded its missile bases in Kaliningrad, raising concerns about a potential nuclear build-up in the area.