Published: Less than 1 hour ago
The US is setting up radioactive meters all over Ukraine.
They must capture data that could reveal the culprit if an atomic bomb explodes in the country.
But there is another purpose, according to the New York Times.
Several times since the invasion last February, Vladimir Putin and other Russian leaders have made more or less threatening overtures about nuclear weapons.
The US has responded by trying to deter the Kremlin – both through public statements and direct diplomatic contact in the quiet.
The Russian threats have so far not led to the Pentagon increasing its nuclear preparedness, and experts have assessed the risk of Putin pressing the button as still low.
Now the New York Times reveals that the US nevertheless takes concrete measures on the ground for such a scenario. A network of advanced sensors is currently being set up in Ukraine. The meters will capture a wealth of data and can reveal who is behind possible detonations of nuclear weapons or dirty bombs in Ukraine.
The goal is that Russia should not be able to deny and try to place the blame on Ukraine if a nuclear bomb is deployed, the newspaper writes.
Authority confirms cooperation
The deployment of the measuring equipment is controlled by a special unit from the federal agency Nuclear security administration, which falls under the US Department of Energy.
For the New York Times, the agency confirms that there is cooperation with Ukraine to install sensors, train personnel and monitor data.
According to the statement, the meters are set up “across the region” and have the ability to “determine the power, location and effects of any type of nuclear explosion”. The authority also states that the equipment “would prevent Russia from using nuclear weapons in Ukraine without being revealed”.
Another scenario where the meters could be used is if Russia attacks one of Ukraine’s nuclear power plants, writes the New York Times.
That’s how much it costs
US Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm is ultimately politically responsible for the issue and told Congress last month that the sensors are being installed to “ensure that the Ukrainians are safe and not exposed.” She was sparing with other details, but the Ministry of Energy stated that the measures cost 160 million dollars annually, corresponding to roughly 1.6 billion kroner.
According to experts the New York Times spoke to, the meters don’t just have a literal purpose on the ground. By confirming its existence and capabilities, the US government wants to further dissuade Putin from considering the idea of deploying nuclear weapons in Ukraine, according to the paper.