Story perspectives

Nuclear Fears Rise Amid Ukraine Conflict and Arms Race

11/3/2025

Center

Plokhy Analyzes Proliferation

Threat of nuclear proliferation is rising and Serhii Plokhy, historian, argues fear drives states to pursue weapons.
He notes Russia's invasion of Ukraine and attacks on Iran heighten concerns about the nuclear environment and an arms race.
Plokhy's book analyzes motivations for armament, showing security concerns often stem from fear of aggression.
In Ukraine, Russian forces claim to encircle Pokrovsk, but Ukrainian officials say fighting continues and logistics are disrupted.

Left

Putin Threatens Nuclear Safety

Russia's recent military actions heighten concerns about nuclear safety.
After a successful Poseidon torpedo test, President Vladimir Putin warned Russia would resume nuclear testing if the U.S. does.
Renewed strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure prompted Ukraine's foreign ministry to label them "nuclear terrorism".
The International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed these attacks jeopardize nuclear safety.
President Volodymyr Zelensky noted a challenging situation in Pokrovsk as Russian forces increased their presence.

History

Historical Context

The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), opened for signature in 1968 and effective from 1970, aims to prevent nuclear weapons proliferation and promote disarmament. As of 2023, 191 countries, including Russia and Ukraine, are signatories. However, ongoing tensions, particularly from the Ukraine conflict, threaten global security and challenge decades of non-proliferation efforts established during the Cold War.

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Plokhy Analyzes Proliferation

Threat of nuclear proliferation is rising and Serhii Plokhy, historian, argues fear drives states to pursue weapons.
He notes Russia's invasion of Ukraine and attacks on Iran heighten concerns about the nuclear environment and an arms race.
Plokhy's book analyzes motivations for armament, showing security concerns often stem from fear of aggression.
In Ukraine, Russian forces claim to encircle Pokrovsk, but Ukrainian officials say fighting continues and logistics are disrupted.

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