Averting acute escalation in Russia's war against Ukraine
Journal: International Affairs
Year: 2025

Abstract Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine and western military support in its defence have threatened to escalate to the use of nuclear weapons or a clash between Russia and NATO. Western fears regarding these risks have been stoked by Russia's nuclear threats and intimidation over its ‘red lines’. Yet during 2022–25 western powers gradually lifted restrictions on their military deliveries to Ukraine in this unprecedented large European war fought by a nuclear power. This article argues t