'He would see this country burn if he could be King of the ashes'

Mutually assured destruction, that’s the promised foundation of nuclear weapons. Mankind’s most destructive creation is sadly back in the picture thanks to the recent conflict started by Russia. It’s crazy to think that the fate of humanity hangs on the decision of a single unhinged dictator. Putin has put Russia’s nuclear deterrent forces on alert following the worldwide economic sanctions and the fierce resistance being put up by Ukraine. There’s no telling whether this is a genuine threat or merely a bluff to intimidate, but there is a greater than 0% chance that nuclear weapons will be used, and if that happens it could be the end of life on Earth as we know it. Basically, because the war is going badly for Putin, he’s hovering his hands over the big red button. It’s the equivalent of a child throwing a tantrum and breaking his own toy because he doesn’t want to share it with others. 

Lots of people say that this is merely a bluff, that he would never seriously go through with it, but that’s what most people said about the invasion of Ukraine as well. It’s clear that Putin is irrational, desperate, frustrated and unstable, incapable of calm, logical thinking. A cornered animal is at its most dangerous, and Putin has to feel the bunker walls slowly closing in on him. Let’s hope that he doesn’t come to the conclusion of “if I can’t win, then nobody can win.”

Our only hope is that leveler heads will prevail. Hopefully the people of Russia see that this situation is unacceptable, and further provocation and aggression will only lead to the loss of more innocent lives. Putin must be removed from office with any means necessary. Regardless of what happens, history will be written over the next few days, perhaps one of the most important and critical times in human existence. I still have hope for humanity, it’s especially in these dark times that our light can shine the brightest. 

“The nuclear arms race is like two sworn enemies standing waist deep in gasoline, one with three matches, the other with five.” -Carl Sagan