January 1, UN: ‘Bone Chilling’ Nuclear Development

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres warned that Russia using nuclear weapons during its invasion of Ukraine is “within the realm of possibility.”

“The prospect of nuclear conflict, once unthinkable, is now back within the realm of possibility,” Guterres said. “It is time to stop the horror unleashed on the people of Ukraine and get on the path of diplomacy and peace.”

Guterres said Russian President Vladimir Putin’s earlier decision to put his nuclear forces on high alert was a “bone-chilling development.”

Jake Sullivan, President Joe Biden’s national security adviser, said that Washington’s nuclear alert levels have not changed.

“The United States has not adjusted our nuclear posture, but it is something that we monitor day by day, hour by hour because it is a paramount priority to the president,” he said.

In addition to calling for nuclear facilities in the country to be safeguarded, Guterres said the U.N. is allocating $40 million from its Central Emergency Response fund to assist Ukrainians.

“This funding will help get critical supplies of food, water, medicines and other lifesaving aid into the country as well as provide cash assistance,” Guterres said.

Source:

Nuclear war ‘within the realm of possibility,’ UN secretary general warns