If Russia Didn’t Have Nuclear Weapons, the West Would Already Be Fighting in Ukraine, Says NATO Official

According to Admiral Rob Bauer, Chairman of NATO’s Military Committee, NATO forces would be on the ground in Ukraine countering Russian forces if not for Moscow’s nuclear arsenal.

Speaking at the IISS Prague Defense Summit, Bauer underscored that nuclear weapons significantly limit the West’s range of military options in Ukraine. “I’m absolutely sure, if Russians did not have nuclear weapons, we would already be in Ukraine, kicking them out,” Bauer stated, reflecting NATO's strategic restraint in the face of nuclear risks.

Russia currently holds the world’s largest nuclear arsenal, followed closely by the United States, with the two nations controlling roughly 90 percent of the world’s nuclear stockpile. Russian leader Vladimir Putin placed his nuclear forces on high alert as the invasion of Ukraine began in 2022, heightening fears of nuclear escalation.

Russian officials, including former President Dmitry Medvedev, have also issued warnings suggesting the potential use of nuclear weapons against Western countries supporting Ukraine.

NATO has maintained a policy of supporting Ukraine with military aid rather than direct troop involvement.

Earlier reports indicate that NATO is establishing secure land corridors across Europe to enable the rapid deployment of American troops and armored vehicles closer to its eastern flank in the event of a large-scale war with Russia.

Lieutenant General Alexander Sollfrank, head of NATO’s Joint Logistics Command, emphasized that these corridors are designed to support resilient and unrestricted military movement across the region.