Volker named the key mistake of the West and explained what actually restrains Russia from using nuclear weapons

Former U.S. Special Representative for Ukraine Kurt Volker believes that the main mistake of Western leaders is excessive caution towards Russia. He noted that the fear of what the Kremlin might do wrongly defines the West's strategy, and this is what does not help to contain Russia.

He said this in an interview with DW. Volker emphasized that authorizing strikes on targets deep in Russia could make a significant difference while delaying allows Moscow to continue its aggression.

"Western leaders are acting out of fear of what Russia might do. This is a mistake! It is not our restraint that is holding Russia back. Russia is trying to defeat Ukraine right now. It is failing to do so, but not because Moscow is 'restraining' itself. Allowing us to hit targets deep in Russia's heartland can make a big difference. Otherwise, Russia will simply continue to do what it is doing now," he said.

Volker also explained that Russia is not deterred by Western fears, but by the real consequences it would face if it used nuclear weapons. He emphasized that Russia is aware of the seriousness of possible retaliatory strikes against its military forces.

"If they used nuclear weapons, there would be a retaliatory strike against the forces that used them. If they engaged in sabotage and other types of subversive activities in Western countries, Russia would receive a tough response," the expert explained.

In addition, Volker believes that Kremlin dictator Vladimir Putin's statements about changing the nuclear doctrine, which will allow strikes on countries without nuclear weapons, are an attempt to intimidate the West and force it to refuse to help Ukraine.

"Tell me, what will prevent Putin from deciding to use nuclear weapons if he wants to? He will not be bound by the doctrine, it is just a piece of paper for him. It is the potential consequences of the use of nuclear weapons, which he understands will hit Russia very hard, that are holding him back," he said.

Volker added that if Russia detonates nuclear weapons on its territory, for example, in Nova Zemlia, the West may refrain from a sharp reaction. However, the use of nuclear weapons in a war against Ukraine would provoke a powerful response.

"I don't think the West will want to react too sharply to Russia detonating nuclear charges on its territory. But if it comes to the use of nuclear weapons in a war against Ukraine, a very stern warning should be given by the Western allies: this will have direct consequences for the Russian armed forces. They will be destroyed," he summarized.

As a reminder, the US officially explains its hesitation to allow Ukraine to fire its missiles far into Russia as unwillingness to become a party to the conflict.

As reported by OBOZ.UA, US President Joe Biden rejected the threats of Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, who threatened NATO with war if the allies allowed Ukraine to launch long-range strikes on targets in Russia. The American leader said he was not thinking about it.

At the same time, the media reported that London would allow Storm Shadow to strike targets in Russia, but that it would not be officially announced in the near future to avoid "unnecessary provocations."

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