Moscow Ready for Nuclear War, Putin Says
In a bold statement, President Vladimir Putin declared that Moscow is prepared to utilize nuclear weapons if the Russian state faces a threat to its existence. However, he emphasized that such a dire need has never arisen, as reported in an interview with state media on Wednesday.
The Russian leader’s remarks come amidst the ongoing full-scale war in Ukraine, now entering its third year, and ahead of the upcoming presidential elections on March 15. Putin, widely expected to secure a fifth term in office, spoke to Rossiya 1 and RIA Novosti, highlighting Russia’s military readiness for a nuclear conflict without indicating an immediate threat.
Putin cautioned that any deployment of US troops to Ukraine would be viewed as interventionist by Russia. He expressed confidence in handling potential confrontations, stating, “Apart from (US President Joe) Biden, there are enough other experts in the sphere of Russian-American relations and strategic restraint. So I don’t think that everything is going to go head-on here, but we are ready for it.”
Addressing the US’s nuclear capabilities, Putin acknowledged their development but stressed that readiness for a nuclear war does not equate to immediate aggression. He emphasized the importance of maintaining modern and innovative weaponry, stating, “Weapons exist in order to use them. We have our own principles.”
Recent reports suggest that the US has been preparing for the possibility of Russia launching a nuclear strike on Ukraine. The Biden administration raised concerns about Russia’s potential use of tactical or battlefield nuclear weapons. Putin’s deployment of nuclear weapons to Belarus and statements from Russian officials indicate a willingness to defend territories from Ukraine.
Despite Western perceptions of Russia’s vulnerability during the Ukraine conflict, Putin asserted that Moscow’s financial stability and military capabilities remain strong. NATO intelligence estimates reveal Russia’s significant advantage in defense production, particularly in artillery munitions, ahead of anticipated offensives in Ukraine.
While Russia’s military ramp-up continues, US and Western officials doubt its capacity to make significant battlefield gains in the short term. Meanwhile, Ukraine urgently requires US military aid to counter Russian aggression, with President Zelensky warning of potential casualties without adequate support.
In negotiations regarding Ukraine, Putin expressed willingness to engage in talks based on reality, emphasizing the need for guarantees in any agreements. Zelensky, however, has rejected peace talks with Russia, citing a lack of trust in negotiating with dishonest parties.
During the interview, Putin also criticized Ukrainian attacks on Russian cities, attributing them to Kyiv’s battlefield failures and attempts to disrupt Russia’s upcoming election. The escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine underscore the precarious geopolitical situation in Eastern Europe.
