President Vladimir Putin said that Russia is ready to use nuclear weapons if there is a threat to its statehood, sovereignty or independence, voicing hope that the U.S. would refrain from actions that could trigger a nuclear conflict.
Putin’s statement was another blunt warning to the West ahead of a presidential vote this week in which he’s all but certain to win another six-year term.
In an interview with Russian state television released early Wednesday, Putin described U.S. President Joe Biden as a veteran politician who fully understands possible dangers of escalation, and said that he doesn’t think that the world is heading to a nuclear war.
At the same time, he emphasized that Russia’s nuclear forces are in full readiness and “from the military-technical viewpoint, we’re prepared.”
Putin said that in line with the country’s security doctrine, Moscow is ready to use nuclear weapons in case of a threat to “the existence of the Russian state, our sovereignty and independence.”
The Russian leader has repeatedly talked about his readiness to use nuclear weapons since launching the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The most recent such threat came in his state-of-the-nation address last month, when he warned the West that deepening its involvement in the fighting in Ukraine would risk a nuclear war.
Asked in the interview if he has ever considered using battlefield nuclear weapons in Ukraine, Putin responded that there has been no need for that.
He also voiced confidence that Moscow will achieve its goals in Ukraine and issued a blunt warning to Western allies, declaring that “the nations that say they have no red lines regarding Russia should realize that Russia won’t have any red lines regarding them either.”
He held the door open for talks, but emphasized that Russia will hold onto its gains and would seek firm guarantees from the West.
“It shouldn’t be a break for the enemy to rearm but a serious talk involving the guarantees of security for the Russian Federation,” he said.
Putin said that a recent spike in Ukrainian drone attacks deep inside Russia is part of efforts to derail the country’s three-day presidential election, which starts Friday and which he is set to win by a landslide, relying on the tight control over Russia’s political scene he has established during his 24-year rule.
Russian authorities reported another major attack by Ukrainian drones early Wednesday. The Defense Ministry said air defenses downed 58 drones over six regions. One of the drones hit an oil refinery in the Ryazan region, injuring at least two people and sparking a fire. Another drone was downed as it was approaching a refinery near St. Petersburg.
Ukraine, meanwhile, reported more Russian attacks early Wednesday.
A Russian strike killed two people and injured another five in the town of Myrnohrad in the eastern region of Donetsk, about 30 kilometers (about 20 miles) from the front line, according to Gov. Vadym Filashkin. Local rescuers managed to pull a 13-year-old girl out of the rubble of an apartment building that was hit by a Russian missile.
A five-story building in the northern city of Sumy was struck by a drone launched from Russia overnight and 10 people were rescued from the rubble, including eight who sustained injuries, according to the regional administration.
In President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s hometown in the central Dnipropetrovsk region, the death toll from a Russian missile attack the previous night rose to four, said Gov. Serhii Lysak. He said that 43 people were wounded in of Kryvyi Rih, including 12 children, the youngest of them two and eleven-month-old.
“Every day our cities and villages suffer similar attacks. Every day Ukraine loses people because of Russian evil,” Zelenskyy said.
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Russian President Vladimir Putin recently made a bold statement regarding the country’s stance on defending its sovereignty. In a speech to top military officials, Putin declared that Russia is prepared to use nuclear weapons if necessary to protect its interests and ensure its security.
This announcement comes at a time of heightened tensions between Russia and the West, particularly in light of ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Syria, as well as accusations of Russian interference in foreign elections. Putin’s statement serves as a clear warning to any potential adversaries that Russia will not hesitate to use its nuclear arsenal if it feels threatened.
While some may view Putin’s rhetoric as aggressive and provocative, others argue that it is simply a reflection of Russia’s long-standing policy of deterrence. The country has always maintained a strong military presence and has made it clear that it will not back down in the face of external pressure.
It is important to note that Russia’s nuclear capabilities are among the most advanced in the world, with a vast arsenal of intercontinental ballistic missiles and other strategic weapons. This gives the country a significant advantage in terms of defense and deterrence, as any potential aggressor would have to think twice before engaging in a conflict with Russia.
Despite Putin’s tough talk, it is unlikely that Russia would actually resort to using nuclear weapons unless its very existence was at stake. The consequences of such an action would be catastrophic for all parties involved, leading to widespread destruction and loss of life.
In conclusion, Putin’s announcement that Russia is prepared to use nuclear weapons to defend its sovereignty should serve as a reminder to the international community of the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the region. It is crucial for all parties to engage in dialogue and diplomacy in order to prevent any escalation of tensions that could lead to a potentially devastating conflict.
