World War 3? Trump policies ‘INCREASE risk of nuclear war’ scientists warn
GETTY Donald Trump is increasing the risk of nuclear warfare, scientists have warned
The warning comes in a statement released by the Union of Concerned Scientists, and follows the White House's decision to release its Nuclear Posture Review (NPR). Lisbeth Gronlund, of the Union of Concerned Scientists, said: “One of the most disturbing and significant changes to US policy outlined in the NPR is the tighter integration of US nuclear and conventional forces, including training and exercising with these integrated forces, so US forces can operate— as the NPR states —in the face of nuclear threats and employment. “This is the text-book definition of nuclear war-fighting. This new policy deliberately blurs the line between nuclear and conventional forces and eliminates a clear firewall.”
According to the NPR, the US military has proposed diversifying its nuclear arsenal. It has also proposed the development of new, smaller atomic bombs, largely to counter Russia. The document said: "Our strategy will ensure Russia understands that any use of nuclear weapons, however limited, is unacceptable.”
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The US military is concerned that Vladimir Putin views American nuclear weapons as too big to be used - meaning they are no longer an effective deterrent. Developing smaller nuclear weapons would challenge the Kremlin’s assumption, it has argued. However, whilst low-yield weapons are less powerful than conventional nuclear weapons, they still have the potential to be incredibly destructive.
GETTY The US military is concerned Vladimir Putin views American nuclear weapons as too big to be used
The atomic bomb dropped on the Japanese city of Nagasaki at the end of World War Two had a similar level of explosive power, and killed more than 70,000 people. Dr Gronlund added: “The administration’s new policy also shoots a big hole in the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, which is key to US security. “It simply rejects the US obligation to take steps toward nuclear disarmament.