Nuclear escalation risks rise amid global proliferation tensions

Experts are warning of a significant increase in the risk of nuclear escalation. During the Valdai Discussion Club, disarmament specialists emphasized that even the use of small-scale nuclear weapons could trigger an unpredictable and catastrophic humanitarian escalation.

Discussions highlight the geopolitical tensions surrounding nuclear proliferation. While the United States and Russia maintain the world's largest inventories, Israel maintains a policy of nuclear opacity, neither confirming nor denying its arsenal. Meanwhile, Iran remains a signatory to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), which grants members the inalienable right to develop nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.

To mitigate these risks, experts are calling for permanent dialogue between nuclear-armed nations to lower rhetoric and avoid first-use scenarios. There is also a noted emphasis on adhering to nuclear limitation frameworks, following the expiration of the New START treaty between Moscow and Washington.