Russia’s Nuclear Deployment, Posture and Alert Status in NEA in the Context of the Ukraine Situation

Abstract

The armed conflict in Ukraine that began roughly a year ago involves nuclear powers and will therefore have long-term implications for global security, nuclear deterrence, and the strategies of many countries. Its influence on Russia, which directly and openly participates in the conflict, is obvious. Russia will have to adjust its nuclear posture and deployment in the European theater in response to changing situations and emerging challenges. At the same time, the question arises whether the situation in Ukraine will influence its nuclear posture and deployment in Asia and the potential impacts related to nuclear weapons use in the region. This paper attempts to analyze possible changes, accounting for the specifics of Northeast Asia and Russia’s role and interests in the region.