What could happen if Russia used nuclear weapons?
Russia's state Duma has approved the annexation of Ukrainian regions, will Putin now use nuclear weapons to hold these areas?
ByRussia
Discover the latest New Statesman content on Russia, exploring the politics, culture and economy of the nation. Insightful coverage and analysis of the war in Ukraine and Putin’s presidency.
Ukraine’s army makes a mockery of Vladimir Putin’s annexation
As the Russian president addressed the country’s elite, Ukrainian forces encircled Lyman, a key hub in Donbas.
By
Will Vladimir Putin’s mobilisation backfire?
Russia’s already demoralised force will be joined by fearful men, just pressed into service, with little to offer and much…
By
Nord Stream pipeline “sabotage” shows the weakness of Europe’s critical infrastructure
Several EU countries have blamed Russia for the apparent attacks on the controversial pipelines.
By
Ukrainians stand firm in the face of Putin’s threats
As Russia escalates its war efforts with a partial mobilisation, kamikaze drones and threats of nuclear force, many in Ukraine…
By
The unravelling of Vladimir Putin
Nuclear threats and mobilisation cannot hide the Russian president’s weakening grip on power.
By
Anti-war protests in Russia accompany Putin’s “partial mobilisation”
Signs of dissatisfaction in the country are increasing.
By
The war in Ukraine has tipped the balance of power in Russia’s relationship with India
India has increased its influence by criticising Moscow while continuing to do business with it.
By
The UN is incapable of ensuring peace
Its General Assembly this week underlined how impotent it is in facing up to Russian aggression in Ukraine.
By
Vladimir Putin’s draft order prompts panic in Russia
As men flee the country, the EU should welcome them.
By
Is Putin going to start a nuclear war?
Under pressure in Ukraine, the Russian president’s threat is a deterrent.
By
The dangerous logic behind Vladimir Putin’s speech
The Russian president has announced a mobilisation of army reserves and threatened nuclear force, ahead of “sham” votes in occupied…
By
As an Armenian, I see history being repeated in the actions of Azerbaijan
Hostile neighbours, fickle allies and global indifference haunt Armenia’s past, and threaten its future.
By
The UN General Assembly will underline Russia’s isolation
Even the countries Russia hoped it could pivot to after wrecking relations with the West are unsettled.
By
Russian failures in Ukraine have emboldened Azerbaijan to attack Armenia
Energy demand in Europe, coupled with the Ukrainian advance, have changed the geopolitical calculations in the Caucasus.
By
Where does Putin go from here?
Russia’s flailing offensive in Ukraine exposes the failings of the strongman system he has built.
By
Why China won’t ditch Vladimir Putin
The first meeting between the Russian and Chinese leaders since the start of the war in Ukraine will be closely…
By
Ukraine’s offensive has left Putin with few options
Now that Ukrainian forces have taken more territory in five days than Russia did in five months, the Kremlin can…
By
Putin’s economic war on Europe is an act of desperation
Yet with great difficulty, and much pain, Europe will cope.
By
From the NS archive: Rising star of the Kremlin
14 December 1984: Mikhail Gorbachev, heir apparent to the then Soviet general secretary Konstantin Chernenko, paid a visit to London.
By