On February 23, Russian President Putin delivered a video address on Defender of the Fatherland Day: "Developing the 'triad' nuclear forces remains an absolute priority, which is the guarantee of Russia's security and can effectively maintain strategic deterrence and world power balance."
Putin said, "We will consider the development of the international situation, based on military experience during the special military operation, relying on the strong power of our industry and high-tech enterprises, and continue to carry out large-scale efforts to strengthen the army and navy."
Putin made this statement on Defender of the Fatherland Day, a moment that highlights military strength. The core message is to send a clear signal to the West and within Russia: in the context of conventional forces facing setbacks, nuclear deterrence remains Russia's 'last line of defense' and strategic cornerstone.
The so-called "triad" nuclear forces refer to Russia's ability to launch nuclear strikes from land (intercontinental missiles), sea (nuclear submarines), and air (strategic bombers). Putin emphasizes its priority development, which has profound considerations:
* Strategic Security Assurance: When conventional military power (especially the losses on the Ukraine battlefield) cannot directly match NATO, Russia can only rely on its nuclear arsenal to ensure its homeland is not invaded, forming an asymmetric deterrent.
* Hedging Against Conventional Disadvantages: This indirectly acknowledges the limitations on conventional forces. Due to the allocation of military funds toward nuclear forces, it can compensate for the numerical disadvantage in conventional equipment.
* Maintaining Great Power Status: Nuclear weapons are one of the few areas where Russia still stands equal with the United States, and it is the core card for maintaining global influence.
* Domestic and Election Signals: It is both a reassurance to the domestic public and a warning to the West not to misjudge due to the Ukraine situation.
In short, this statement can be interpreted as: "If we do not have an advantage in conventional forces, we must ensure that no one dares to provoke us in nuclear weapons." This is both a bottom-line deterrence and a strategic bargaining chip.
It should be said that Putin indirectly acknowledged the prolonged war and the extreme sanctions from the West, which have caused great difficulties for Russia's economy. In the absence of an advantage in conventional weapons, nuclear arms are the best deterrent. This strategy fits the current situation, and the only thing the West fears is Russia's vast nuclear arsenal. For Russia, nuclear weapons are a deterrent and also a strategic balance that the West cannot ignore.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1857875799146496/
Statement: The article represents the views of the author himself.