In September 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin threatened to utilize nuclear weapons during the ongoing war against Ukraine. NATO, the United Nations, and the United States immediately condemned the threats from the Russian government, with tensions still high as the conflict continues.
Zeiger emphasizes the need to immediately create strategies that maximize a public health response in the event of a nuclear disaster. While no military action was taken as a result of the nuclear weapon-based threats, the author notes the communication efforts taken by several media outlets and government organizations to reduce public anxiety.