Putin scares with 'Oreshnik': experts assess whether the world is threatened by nuclear conflict.

In the war against Ukraine, Russia has for the first time used a medium-range ballistic missile called 'Oreshnik'. This has stimulated new discussions about a possible nuclear conflict.

However, according to military analyst Shashank Joshi, the world is 'very far' from nuclear war. He explains that Moscow did not resort to the use of nuclear weapons even in critical moments of 2022 when its army was retreating. Now, Russia is conducting offensive operations and making progress on the front, notes Joshi.

Russian strategic weapons expert Pavlo Podvig also doubts the possibility of using nuclear weapons. He emphasizes that to achieve an effect against the Ukrainian army, strikes would have to be made against the civilian population, which would lead to a global negative reaction, particularly from China and India.

On the other hand, disarmament expert Mykola Sokov believes that the launch of the 'Oreshnik' missile may signal the possibility of escalation, but this does not necessarily mean that the Kremlin intends to take radical measures.

NATO countries are not intimidated by the Kremlin's nuclear threats, as they have their own nuclear arsenals. This leads to effective deterrence, - notes Joshi.

The launch of the 'Oreshnik' missile could also be regarded by Russia as a hint of readiness to discuss medium-range missile issues, given that the U.S. withdrew from the Treaty on the Elimination of such missiles in 2018 and accused Russia of violations.

In light of political changes in the U.S., where Donald Trump may become president in 2025, experts predict a new stage of missile warfare. They believe that before his arrival in office, there will be an increase in strikes on Russia, but there will also be an increase in strikes on Ukraine. Trump may attempt to pressure both sides to push them toward negotiations.

Sokov points out that one of Russia's key tasks will be the lifting of sanctions, which are increasingly pressuring the country's economy. Lifting or easing sanctions will become an important task for the Kremlin.