The US has been consistently denying to an insistent media that there now exists direct lines to the Kremlin, because this may cause unnecessary fear and panic that a nuclear war is imminent.

But after weeks of denial, the US finally admitted it, contrary to previous pronouncements that Putin's nuclear threat was just a 'bluff'. This implies that the threat is real and we all need to look into recent events to assess how close or distant we are from a nuclear war.

Ukraine President Zelensky said Donetsk in eastern Donbas "remains the epicenter of the greatest madness of the occupiers, with Russians dying "by the hundreds" every day. Even if this is an exaggeration, this implies that Putin may resort to nuclear weapons rather than give up this ancient Russian enclave. Donbas is the final buffer to the Russian border and a key staging point in securing the Russian naval fleet in the Black Sea. If national security is threatened, Putin may indeed resort to nukes.

Meanwhile, US Ambassador Linda Greenfield recently visited Kyiv, giving an assurance to the Ukraine government of America's "unwavering support". This implies that the US response may match the Russian threat.

Meanwhile, there is an "evacuate or freeze" situation in Kyiv. Mayor Vitali Klitschko warned the three million Kyiv residents to be prepared and relocate if needed because "the enemies are doing everything for the city to be without heat, electricity, water, as we all die". In a normal winter, Kyiv temperature plunges to freezing point. (Source – CNBC, Nov. 8).

Analysis. The massive evacuation of Kyiv may draw US "unwavering support" that may escalate into more serious counter-responses from Russia. Neutralizing the Russian forces blockading Kyiv may easily be a US-NATO target in a direct confrontation.

Ukraine President Zelensky may be a catalyst to a nuclear war because if Ukraine falls, he has nothing to lose if the war spreads to Europe and the world. Zelensky is begging for direct US-NATO involvement in the war, not just weapons and financial aid. Saying the US has already given so much, US President Biden blew his top when Zelensky insisted on more weapons and funds.

After the success of the Ukraine counter-offensive in Kherson, a stone's throw from Kyiv, Putin issued his nuclear threat. The US said it will be met with a total response. Later, realizing that the US may conduct a nuclear first strike, Putin changes his stance, saying Russia will never initiate a nuclear war. But then again, what will he do if Russia is cornered and the entire nation's security is at stake?