Vladimir Putin discusses using nuclear weapons in an interview about the war between Russia and Ukraine
Video Source: TODAY
During the upcoming presidential elections in Russia on March 15-17, President Vladimir Putin spoke in a lengthy interview with state TV Rossiya 1 and the Ria Novosti agency. He mentioned being prepared to use nuclear weapons if the involvement of Western countries in the Ukraine war threatened his country’s sovereignty
Vladimir Putin: nuclear weapons yes, but not against Ukraine
Vladimir Putin has always been open about being ready to use nuclear weapons if he thinks it’s needed.
Since the conflict started in Ukraine in February 2022, Russian nuclear forces have been on high alert
In February of the next year, Putin stopped Russia’s involvement in the New Start treaty with the United States, which controls how many nuclear warheads can be used.
Soon after, because of the US putting weapons in Europe, he agreed with Belarus to put tactical nuclear weapons there.
Now, the Kremlin leader is talking about nuclear weapons again, with a clear warning to the West:
We are ready to use weapons and I intend to use any weapons, including nuclear ones, if the existence of the Russian state, or our sovereignty or independence, is at stake.
In that situation, the target wouldn’t be nearby Ukraine. Putin has said he never considered using nuclear weapons against Ukraine.
The Russian leader says it’s the Western countries, especially the United States, that could cause a situation where a nuclear war might start.
The Russian arsenal is “more modern” than the US one
There isn’t exact information, but experts think Russia has the strongest nuclear weapons in the world, with about 5,000 warheads.
Putin seems happy about this idea, saying Russian weapons are better than American ones.
“Our nuclear weapons are more up-to-date than anyone else’s,” says the leader. “Only Russia and the United States have them. And we’ve made more progress.
On US interference in the war in Ukraine
Putin isn’t worried about NATO sending soldiers to Ukraine, even if French President Macron talks about it. He says it “wouldn’t make a difference in the fighting.” He also says sending weapons doesn’t change anything.
But if the United States sends troops to Ukraine, Putin sees it as a very serious threat. He says it would be “a matter of life and death” for him, and he’d have to react.
But Putin believes in Joe Biden, who he sees as a part of the usual political way of doing things. He’s sure the US won’t send troops.
