Why—and how—the world should condemn Putin for waving the nuclear saber

Nuclear weapons have been part of the current war in Ukraine from the beginning—not in a physical way, but as a threat Russia deliberately introduced to shape the conflict. In announcing the launch of the “special military operation,” President Putin warned that any attempt to interfere will be met with an immediate response with catastrophic consequences. Three days later, as if to make sure that the message was received, the president ordered Russian strategic forces to be put on a “special mode of combat duty.” As the war has unfolded, Russian officials of various ranks have not shied away from reminding the world that Russia is a nuclear power with an ability to use its nuclear weapons.