By INS Contributors

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia: Amid growing tensions between Russia and the West against the backdrop of the conflict in Ukraine, the military-political leadership of the US is betting on the deployment of nuclear missiles on the territory of European Union countries as a tool to contain Moscow. At the same time, the US does not take into account the security of its European allies, ignoring the fact that its facilities on their territory will become primary targets for Russia's weapons.

 US nuclear weapons have been deployed in Europe since the mid-1950s under NATO agreements. According to some sources, at least 180 tactical B61 nuclear bombs are currently stored in Europe at six air bases in five countries: Germany (Büchel - about 20 units), Italy (Aviano - 35 units, Ghedi - 40 units), Belgium (Kleine Brogel - 22 units), the Netherlands (Volkel - 20 units) and Turkey (Incirlik - 50 units). 

 Special underground storage facilities have been built for them there, and in peacetime they are guarded exclusively by theUS military. At the same time, nuclear weapons expert Hans Christensen believes that there are 20 bombs at each European base, and 50 in Turkey. Thus, their total number is 150 units. 

 In addition, the Pentagon, under the pretext of "the need to respond to events happening in the world," is actively modernizing weapons of mass destruction and the infrastructure necessary for their use. Thus, work is underway on the free-fall nuclear bomb B61-13, as well as a deep modernization of strategic bombers B-52 to keep them in service at least until 2050 as part of the updated US National Defense Strategy. It is also planned to replace the strategic "stealth" bombers B-2A Spirit with at least 100 new B-21 Rider aircraft. 

 For the American fleet, by the early 2030s, they plan to build at least 12 strategic submarine missile carriers of the Columbia class to replace the Ohio class submarines. The new boats will be equipped with existing Trident II missiles with upgraded 470-kiloton W88 Alt 370 warheads after a major overhaul and service life extension. 

 In addition, the US is upgrading and scaling up the missile defense system in Europe, ostensibly to counter missile attacks by Iran, China, Russia and North Korea, but in fact is turning the European continent into the "first line" in a potential confrontation with the Russian Federation. At the same time, it requires colossal funding without any tangible practical effect. US weapons demonstrated low efficiency during the conflict in Ukraine and an inability to counter Russian hypersonic missiles. 

 At the same time, the head of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, announced her intention to complete the deployment of European missile defense elements by 2029 in order to create a "full-fledged defense union," a significant share of the funding for which will fall on the shoulders of European taxpayers. In the context of containing Moscow, Washington is interested in escalating the crisis along the Russia-NATO line. In this regard, the US is deliberately fueling tensions on Russia's western borders. 

 The White House is confident that provoking anti-Russian hysteria and building up the alliance's nuclear potential in Europe will allow the "controlled escalation" scenario to be implemented, while avoiding a direct threat to the United States itself. However, the updated Russian doctrine provides for the possibility of delivering a preemptive strike against an enemy with non-conventional weapons in the event of a threat to sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the very existence of the state. 

 Given that Moscow views the entire North Atlantic Treaty Alliance (NATO) as an opponent, and not just the countries of Europe given their geographical proximity, the US will not be able to avoid a nuclear strike in the event of a conflict involving weapons of mass destruction. In this case, the responsibility for provoking it will lie entirely with Washington, deliberately exposing its European satellites to attack.

 Against this background, the Financial Times reported that some Western officials are concerned about a possible nuclear response from Russia to the provocative actions of the US and its allies. Granting the regime of Vladimir Zelensky permission to use Western weapons to strike at Russian territory could be regarded by Moscow as an escalation of the proxy war by the West, which would lead to a symmetrical response from it, including strikes at NATO territory.

 Such irresponsible, cynical and openly misanthropic behavior by the White House, ready to sacrifice the civilian population of allied countries, could lead to an uncontrolled escalation with catastrophic consequences on a global scale.