Doomsday Clock keepers to meet this week to discuss Ukraine situation

MOSCOW. March 2 (Interfax) - The Science and Security Board of the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists of the University of Chicago, which implemented the Doomsday Clock project, will meet this week to analyze the Ukraine situation.

"Our Science and Security Board will meet this week and continue to evaluate the unfolding crisis," Rachel Bronson, president and CEO of the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, said in a statement obtained by Interfax.

"In January, the Bulletin set the Doomsday Clock at 100 seconds to midnight, the closest to midnight it has ever been," the statement said.

"We referenced the precarious situation in Ukraine. We have also repeatedly reported on the dangers of unintended escalations as military postures and investment, along with political statements, increase the likelihood that nuclear weapons might be used. This is exactly what 100 seconds to midnight conveys. It is dangerous, fluid, and unstable," Bronson said.

The Bulletin did not tell Interfax whether it is planned to move the Doomsday Clock closer to midnight after the meeting.

Russian President Vladimir Putin declared a "special military operation" in Ukraine in the early hours of February 24. The Western countries retaliated by imposing sanctions against Russia.

On February 27, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered putting "the deterrence forces of the Russian army on special combat duty."