News Analysis
The lack of solid intelligence on Russian nuclear escalation doctrine under Russian President Vladimir Putin, combined with the diplomatic blunderings of the Biden administration, has created a dangerous nuclear standoff in Europe, according to former national security officials and experts.
Consequently, the likelihood of a Russian tactical nuclear strike to change the balance of power in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is difficult to assess, they agreed, but the threat is real.
Meanwhile, an end to the war by a negotiated settlement will remain elusive, experts say, because both sides continue to underestimate the desire of all parties—Ukraine, Europe, the United States, and Russia—for total victory in the war….