Russia Doesn’t Need Nuclear Weapons To Win War In Ukraine – Putin

Emmanuel EjioforJune 8, 20241 Mins read269

Vladimir Putin (L) and Volodymyr Zelenskyy (R)

President Vladimir Putin on Friday said Russia does not need to use nuclear weapons to win the war in Ukraine. He assured that the conflict would not escalate into a nuclear confrontation.

Responding to the moderator at the plenary of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Sergei Karaganov, when he asked if Russia would use a “nuclear pistol to the temple” of the West over Ukraine. Putin said he does not see the need to.

He added, “The use is possible in an exceptional case – in the event of a threat to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country. I don’t think that such a case has come. There is no such need.”

Previously, Putin had suggested that Russia would use nuclear weapons if necessary to defend itself, which the West criticised as nuclear browbeating. He clarified that while Russia could test a nuclear weapon if necessary, the current conflict does not meet the conditions for using such weapons.

This discussion at Russia’s main economic forum aimed to reduce nuclear fears as the conflict in Ukraine intensifies. Russia and the United States possess nearly 90 per cent of the world’s nuclear weapons.

Nevertheless, Putin highlighted that Russian troops are advancing in Ukraine, having captured 880 square kilometres of territory and 47 villages and towns since the start of the year. He also noted that Russia has significantly increased ammunition production.

On Wednesday, he had warned that Russia could deploy conventional missiles near the U.S. and its European allies if they permit Ukraine to strike deeper into Russia with long-range Western weapons.

Meanwhile, on Friday, United States President Joe Biden, in France during the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings, reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to support Ukraine. He compared the fight against Nazi Germany to current threats from dictators.

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