In a bid to prevent a potential nuclear strike by Russia, the United States reached out to non-allies for assistance, according to a senior US administration official speaking to CNN. The official revealed that along with direct communication, the US strongly urged other countries, including India and China, to join in dissuading Russia from taking such an extreme measure.

The non-allied countries' involvement in conveying the concerns of the global community seems to have had some impact on Russia's decision-making process, the official noted. By highlighting the potential costs and repercussions of a nuclear strike, these countries effectively served as a persuasive factor.

Worries of potential nuclear weapon use by Russian forces arose in 2022 following Ukraine's counteroffensive against the city of Kherson in southern Ukraine, as Russian forces faced a series of defeats. One of the senior officials revealed that the fear was if Russian forces were overrun, it could pose a direct threat to Russian territory. The captured town of Kherson was viewed by Russian President Vladimir Putin as part of Russia itself.

The concerns further escalated when Russian propagandists circulated a story in October 2022, claiming that Ukraine had plans to use a "dirty bomb" - a device containing both radioactive material and explosives. This false claim was put forth by Russia's defense minister, Sergei Shoigu, to the US and its allies. The administration officials, while dismissing the claim as baseless, also expressed concerns that Russia might be using it as a pretext for engaging in dangerous actions.

The risk level continued to rise with Russia's increasing nuclear capabilities. In June 2023, President Joe Biden acknowledged the persistent threat posed by Russia after it was discovered that the country had deployed nuclear weapons to neighboring Belarus. The situation intensified last month when Putin issued explicit nuclear threats in response to French President Emmanuel Macron's suggestion of NATO troops aiding Ukraine, even though the idea was rejected by the US and other NATO allies.

Amidst these developments, the US sought international support to mitigate the Russian nuclear threat and safeguard global security. The involvement of non-allied countries, together with the concerted efforts of the international community, serves as a reminder of the grave consequences of resorting to nuclear weapons, with the potential to cause widespread destruction.

It remains crucial for nations to actively engage in diplomatic efforts, while supporting Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia. Achieving a peaceful resolution and maintaining stability in the region is of paramount importance to avoid the catastrophic consequences of a nuclear conflict.