PM Modi's Intervention Helped Avert "Nuclear" Crisis In Ukraine

Amid the intense Russia-Ukraine conflict since 2022, fears loomed over the potential use of nuclear weapons by Russia targeting Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital. This would have marked a grim departure from history since the devastating bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki during World War II. In response to this alarming possibility, the United States sought assistance from various nations, including India, to dissuade Russia from such a perilous course of action.

The US administration's concern stemmed from the notion that Russia might resort to tactical nuclear strikes amidst its struggle in the conflict. There was also apprehension surrounding Russia's dissemination of false information regarding a purported Ukrainian dirty bomb, raising suspicions of a pretext for nuclear aggression.

Crucially, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emerged as a vocal advocate against nuclear escalation. His impassioned stance, echoed by leaders from other nations, bolstered international efforts to deter Russia from nuclear aggression.

Throughout the tumultuous period from the summer to fall 2022, the US government held strategic deliberations to prepare for potential nuclear contingencies. Meanwhile, Russia's defense minister engaged in discussions with US and allied counterparts, expressing concerns about alleged provocations by Ukraine involving dirty bombs. However, no concrete evidence surfaced indicating Russia's actual preparation for a nuclear assault.

Ultimately, the collective diplomatic endeavors, highlighted by Prime Minister Modi's resolute stance, played a pivotal role in averting a catastrophic nuclear crisis in Ukraine.

As these Ukrainian forces advanced, entire Russian units were in danger of being surrounded. The view inside the administration was that such a catastrophic loss could be a "potential trigger" for the use of nuclear weapons, according to CNN.

Also, at the same time, Russia was allegedly circulating a new "false flag story" about a Ukrainian dirty bomb, which US officials feared could be intended as a cover for a Russian nuclear attack.

In October 2022, Russia's defence minister, Sergei Shoigu, made a series of phone calls to defence officials in the US, the UK, France and Turkey, telling them that the Kremlin was "concerned about possible provocations by Kyiv involving the use of a dirty bomb."

But, it is pertinent to note that at no time did the US detect intelligence indicating Russia was taking steps to mobilize its nuclear forces to carry out such an attack, CNN reported.