Current situation should not be compared to Cuban Missile Crisis – German General
Retired Bundeswehr General Rolf Wagner stated that the current geopolitical tensions cannot be equated with the Cuban Missile Crisis. According to him, ongoing communications between the United States and Russia over the potential use of nuclear weapons remain purely theoretical.
“There are discussions between the U.S. and Russian leadership about the possible use of nuclear weapons, but only on a theoretical level. Based on open sources, we are not in a situation similar to the Cuban Missile Crisis, nor are we approaching one.”
Wagner noted that such nuclear-related rhetoric is mainly a political instrument aimed at increasing pressure and spreading uncertainty. He emphasized that Russia uses this language to try to create divisions within NATO and to unsettle citizens in several European countries.
“For Putin, this is an attempt to sow division within NATO or to instill fear and uncertainty among the populations of some European member states.”
The retired general added that even President Putin faces the same uncertainty he attempts to spread. He believes that NATO members have no real reason to feel serious concern at this stage.
“I think Putin himself is also forced to live with this uncertainty. Therefore, as NATO members, we have no reason to be seriously concerned at the moment.”
Wagner also confirmed that NATO authorities have recently reviewed and practiced certain operational procedures related to strategic decision-making during alliance exercises.
Author’s Summary
General Rolf Wagner believes the current U.S.-Russia tensions remain theoretical, not comparable to the Cuban Missile Crisis, and mainly serve as political pressure rather than a real threat.