US spends $290M on anti-radiation drugs: Is it linked to Vladimir Putin's increased nuclear threats?

According to the Telegraph, the US has stocked up with medication to treat radiation sickness, yet denies that the purchase of large quantities of romiplostim with the brand name ‘Nplate’ is linked with the recent threats ofRussian President Vladimir Putin. A spokesperson for the US Health and Human Services (HSS) told the media:

This is part of our ongoing work for preparedness and radiological security. It has not been accelerated by the situation in Ukraine.

Coincidental timing during a nuclear rhetoric with Russia

According to the Daily Mail, this is the first time that the US has purchased ‘Nplast’ and given the coincidental timing with the ongoing ‘nuclear rhetoric’ between the west and Vladimir Putin, experts believe the supply with romiplostim is directly related. The publication reports:

Putin issued a chilling warning late last month that he was prepared to use Russia’s nuclear arsenal to protect Ukrainian territory annexed after sham referendums.

Enhancing nuclear security

The purchase of large quantities of ‘Nplast’ for the US comes also after it recently announced the investment of hundreds of millions of dollars in enhancing the nuclear security of Ukraine.

This comes as a result of monitoring the developments on the ground in Ukraine, with its nuclear reactors having become subject to fighting and shelling close-by.

Resultantly, the US will be beefing up the know-how, the protective equipment, and monitoring capacities of Ukrainian authorities and institutions to react and manage nuclear accidents.

Vladimir Putin has been on a collision course with the west, repeatedly threatening against the meddling in Ukraine and suggesting he will resort to any means possible for Russia to defend its interests including the use of nukes and other weapons of mass destruction.

Sources used:

- The Telegraph: ‘US splashes $290m on anti-radiation drugs after Putin ups nuclear threats’

-Daily Mail: ‘US stocks up on $300m worth of radiation sickness drugs but claims it has nothing to do with Vladimir Putin's nuke threats’

Read more:

⋙ US wants to prepare for a nuclear incident in Ukraine by setting aside $35 million in aid

⋙ Russia tells the US it is close to crossing a 'dangerous line' over nuclear warnings

⋙ Former Vladimir Putin adviser threatens the UK with a nuclear strike on live radio