Overview

• US officials revealed that in late 2022, the US prepared rigorously for a potential Russian nuclear strike on Ukraine, marking the first such preparation since World War II.
• Outreach from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other countries played a crucial role in averting a potential nuclear crisis.
• The Biden administration feared Russia might use tactical nuclear weapons as Ukrainian forces advanced, particularly in the region of Kherson.
• Russia circulated a false narrative about a Ukrainian dirty bomb, raising concerns of it being a pretext for a nuclear attack.
• US and allies, including non-allies like China and India, worked closely to develop contingency plans and communicate warnings to Russia.