Vladimir Putin ‘in trouble’ but West must ‘hold its nerve’ to avoid ‘Nuclear Armageddon’

is facing mounting pressure as Western leaders urge caution to avoid escalating tensions into a , according to military experts.

Former commander Colonel Hamish de Bretton-Gordon has described the current situation as a “dangerous moment,” but insisted the West must “hold its nerve” against the Russian leader’s nuclear rhetoric.

The concerns follow a week of heightened tensions, including ’s test launch of its powerful Oreshnik missile on ’s eastern city of Dnipro.

While the missile has stoked fears of escalation, Colonel de Bretton-Gordon dismissed the possibility of nuclear conflict.

He told : “Nuclear Armageddon is off the table. That’s not going to happen.”

He added that NATO and ’s advanced weaponry, such as UK-supplied Storm Shadow missiles and US ATACMS, could neutralise any such threats.

And, despite Putin’s growing arsenal, including intercontinental ballistic missiles and the 65-foot Poseidon underwater nuke capable of creating a massive radioactive wave, experts believe his options remain limited.

Colonel de Bretton-Gordon suggested Putin’s aggressive rhetoric reflects his precarious position.

“The fact he’s being so bellicose is because he knows he’s in trouble,” he said, pointing to the vulnerability of Russian and North Korean troops amassed in Kursk. “They are sitting ducks,” he added.

The city of Kursk has a lot of symbolic value for , having been the site of an important World War II victory over Nazi Germany. And, experts suggest that control of Kursk could shape any future peace talks.

Meanwhile, Western leaders must address growing concerns over sabotage and unconventional warfare.

is suspected of orchestrating two recent incidents involving explosives on cargo planes – one in Germany and another in Birmingham.

Matthew Savill of the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) warned that such acts show ’s intent to pressure ’s allies. He said: “This was sending a message to us as ’s international supporters.”

What’s more, Putin’s recent lowering of ’s nuclear doctrine has further alarmed global leaders.

The change states that any attack by a non-nuclear state backed by a nuclear power will be treated as a joint assault, escalating the stakes for ’s Western allies.

Nonetheless, colonel de Bretton-Gordon stressed that the West must remain resolute, saying: “So long as the West’s resolve remains strong, Putin’s options are limited.”

However, he acknowledged the fears gripping many, adding: “This is, of course, a dangerous moment.”