Vladimir Putin, much like the man who buys a large truck to compensate for other shortcomings in his life, needs validation in his life…even if it comes from being a villain.
Putin appears to be unafraid being excommunicated from the civilized world, some believe due to his reportedly terminal cancer diagnosis. His war crimes in Ukraine alone belie his fatalist attitude.
But, on his way out, Putin also appears hellbent on using nuclear weapons, having made a series of threats that world governments have largely tried to laugh off.
Behind the scenes, however, the US is preparing.
The US government has purchased a significant supply of radiation-injury drugs as the Russian president threatened the use of nuclear weapons.
A $290 million procurement of the drug Nplate, to treat acute radiation syndrome (ARS), was announced by the US Health and Human Services (HSS).
The government confirmed it was the first purchase of the drug, manufactured by the California pharmaceutical company Amgen.
The government has suggested that this is nothing but a routine purchase.
An HSS spokesman told The Telegraph: “This is part of our ongoing work for preparedness and radiological security. It has not been accelerated by the situation in Ukraine.”
It is understood the HSS has been working with Amgen, and similar companies, for some years.
The US has maintained a stockpile of Leukine, a drug which also treats ARS, since 2013.
Putin’s recent nuclear threats have been accompanied by the maneuvering of some major pieces of atomic infrastructure, which is a clear escalation beyond simple hyperbole.
