The United States and its NATO allies must prepare a “devastating” response to potential Russian nuclear action, Senator Mitt Romney said on Saturday.
The call for action comes after threats from the Kremlin and warnings from Russian diplomats that the country’s invasion of Ukraine could lead to a nuclear strike, the Utah Republican wrote in a publication for The New York Times.
“Russia’s use of nuclear weapons would undoubtedly be a redefining, reorienting geopolitical event,” Romney, 75, wrote.
“We have to imagine the unimaginable, in particular how we would react militarily and economically to such a seismic change in the global geopolitical terrain.
The former presidential candidate has presented several options available to Western allies in addition to a nuclear response if “cornered and misled” Russian President Vladimir Putin deploys nuclear weapons.
Senator Mitt Romney has written that if Russian President Vladimir Putin releases a nuclear weapon, it will be a “redefinition” event. Getty Images
NATO forces could clash with Russia in Ukraine and crush their attempts to regain peaceful former Soviet territory, he wrote.
The United States could also pressure China and other Russian allies to turn against their partner with an ultimatum similar to the one issued by former President George W. Bush after the 9/11 attacks.
“Either you’re with us or you’re with Russia – you can’t be with both,” Romney wrote.
Any nation that joins post-nuclear Russia will be a “global pariah” and will be forced to endure “economic Armageddon,” which is “much preferable to nuclear Armageddon,” he said.
Romney wrote that NATO troops could potentially fight Russia in Ukraine. AP
Romney said he supported US continued support for Ukraine and suggested that the Biden administration was working with NATO to “develop and evaluate a wide range of options”.
“The potential responses to such a heinous and geopolitically disorienting act as a nuclear strike must be optimally designed and supported by our NATO allies,” Romney concluded.
“Mr Putin and his aides must have no doubt that our response to such corruption will be devastating.
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