Why Russia Uses Nuclear-Capable Missiles in ‘Massive Strikes’ on Ukraine

A Russian nuclear-capable missile, armed with a conventional warhead, is launched during a massive strike as part of Moscow’s broader military campaign against Ukraine. Analysts say the use of dual-capable missiles serves both battlefield and strategic signaling purposes.

Understanding the Strategic, Military, and Psychological Dimensions of Moscow’s Missile Campaign

Kyiv / Moscow / Washington:
Russia’s repeated use of nuclear-capable missiles during what it describes as “massive strikes” against Ukraine has drawn global attention and concern. While these attacks do not involve nuclear warheads, the choice of delivery systems capable of carrying nuclear payloads has raised questions among policymakers, analysts, and the public about Moscow’s intentions, escalation risks, and broader strategic calculations.

Western governments and defense experts emphasize that Russia is conducting conventional strikes, not nuclear attacks. However, the deliberate employment of dual-capable missile systems highlights a complex mix of military necessity, deterrence signaling, and psychological warfare that has become a defining feature of the conflict.

This article examines why Russia uses nuclear-capable missiles, what it means in practical terms, and how Ukraine, NATO, and the international community interpret these actions.

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What Are Nuclear-Capable Missiles?

Nuclear-capable missiles are delivery systems designed to carry either conventional high-explosive warheads or nuclear warheads. The missile itself does not determine whether an attack is nuclear; the warhead configuration does.

Common Russian systems frequently cited in Ukraine strikes include:

·         Iskander-M short-range ballistic missiles

·         Kalibr sea-launched cruise missiles

·         Kh-101 and Kh-555 air-launched cruise missiles

·         Kinzhal hypersonic missiles (in limited cases)

All of these weapons are dual-use, meaning they are part of both Russia’s conventional forces and its strategic nuclear deterrent.

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No Nuclear Warheads Have Been Used

Despite the terminology, there is no evidence that Russia has used nuclearwarheads in Ukraine. International monitoring systems, seismic sensors, radiation detectors, and intelligence agencies would quickly detect a nuclear detonation.

Western officials have repeatedly confirmed that:

·         All Russian strikes in Ukraine have used conventional explosives

·         No nuclear threshold has been crossed

·         Radiation levels remain normal across strike zones

The concern, therefore, is not about actual nuclear use—but about strategic signaling and escalation management.

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Military Practicality: Using What Is Already Available

One of the primary reasons Russia relies on nuclear-capable missiles is practicality.

Established Arsenal and Training

These missile systems:

·         Are already deployed across Russia’s military branches

·         Have trained crews and existing command structures

·         Do not require new production lines or doctrine changes

Switching to entirely different, purely conventional systems would require time, money, and logistical adjustments, particularly under wartime conditions.

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Sanctions and Production Constraints

Western sanctions have significantly affected Russia’s access to:

·         Advanced microelectronics

·         Precision guidance components

·         High-end manufacturing equipment

As a result:

·         Missile production is slower and more selective

·         Russia prioritizes systems that offer maximum impact per launch

·         Dual-capable missiles often take precedence due to their proven reliability

Analysts note that Russia uses these missiles not because they are nuclear-capable, but because they are among the most sophisticated and accurate weapons in its inventory.

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Precision and Effectiveness Against High-Value Targets

Nuclear-capable missiles are designed to:

·         Fly long distances with high accuracy

·         Penetrate air defense systems

·         Strike hardened or strategically important targets

In Ukraine, these missiles have been used against:

·         Power generation and transmission facilities

·         Military command and control centers

·         Airbases and logistics hubs

·         Industrial and defense-related infrastructure

During large-scale barrages, Russia combines:

·         Cruise missiles

·         Ballistic missiles

·         Drones and decoys

This approach aims to overwhelm Ukrainian air defenses and increase the likelihood that some missiles reach their targets.

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Strategic Signaling to Ukraine and the West

Beyond battlefield utility, the use of nuclear-capable missiles serves a political and psychological purpose.

Nuclear Signaling Without Nuclear Use

By employing systems associated with its nuclear deterrent, Russia sends a message that:

·         Its strategic forces remain operational

·         Escalation options exist if the conflict widens

·         Western involvement has potential consequences

This strategy relies on ambiguity, forcing adversaries to consider worst-case scenarios without Moscow actually crossing nuclear red lines.

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Deterrence Toward NATO

NATO officials closely monitor each largeRussian strike, not only for immediate military impact but for signals of intent.

From Russia’s perspective:

·         Using nuclear-capable platforms reminds NATO of Moscow’s status as a nuclear power

·         It seeks to discourage direct NATO intervention

·         It reinforces the idea that the conflict could escalate if external involvement deepens

At the same time, Moscow appears careful to:

·         Avoid targeting NATO territory

·         Refrain from nuclear warhead deployment

·         Keep escalation controlled rather than uncontrolled

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Russia’s Military Doctrine and Escalation Control

Russian military doctrine emphasizes:

·         Gradual escalation

·         Deterrence through capability demonstration

·         Use of conventional means to achieve strategic effects

The often-cited concept of “escalate to de-escalate” involves demonstrating overwhelming force to compel political concessions, not necessarily initiating nuclear war.

In this framework:

·         Missile capability does not define escalation

·         Warhead type and intent do

Thus, Russia argues it remains within the boundaries of conventional warfare.

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Ukrainian and Western Responses

Ukraine and its allies have adapted to thesestrikes by:

·         Expanding air defense networks

·         Deploying Western-supplied systems such as Patriot, NASAMS, and IRIS-T

·         Improving early warning and interception coordination

Western governments also:

·         Track Russian nuclear forces for changes in posture

·         Maintain communication channels to avoid miscalculation

·         Reiterate that any nuclear use would trigger severe consequences

So far, no evidence suggests Russia has moved nuclear warheads closer to the battlefield.

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Risks of Miscalculation

Despite careful management, risks remain.

The launch of nuclear-capable missiles:

·         Can be misinterpreted in moments of high tension

·         Increases pressure on early-warning systems

·         Raises the stakes for crisis decision-making

Experts warn that accidental escalation—rather than deliberate nuclear use—remains the primary danger.

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Conclusion: A Calculated Strategy, Not a Nuclear Strike

Russia’s use of nuclear-capable missiles in massive strikes on Ukraine reflects a calculated blend of military efficiency and strategic messaging, not an immediate step toward nuclear war.

These systems are:

·         Dual-use and conventionally armed

·         Highly effective against defended targets

·         Symbolically linked to Russia’s nuclear deterrent

By deploying them, Moscow seeks to:

·         Maximize battlefield impact

·         Signal strength to adversaries

·         Deter further escalation by external actors

For now, both Russia and NATO appear intent on maintaining the nuclear threshold, even as the conflict remains intense and highly dangerous.

 

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