Russian President Vladimir Putin has addressed growing concerns about the possibility of Russia using nuclear weapons in its ongoing war with Ukraine, stating that he hopes such measures will not be necessary.
In a televised interview aired on Sunday, Putin was asked directly whether Russia would resort to nuclear force, and he responded by saying, “I hope we do not come to that.”
Putin acknowledged the seriousness of the global anxiety surrounding nuclear weapons and emphasised that the Russian military doctrine only allows their use in extreme circumstances.
He insisted that Moscow has no immediate intention of deploying nuclear arms in the conflict unless there is a direct threat to the country’s sovereignty or existence.
His comments come amid increasing tensions between Russia and Western nations over the prolonged war, now in its third year.
Ukraine has continued to receive military support from NATO allies, and recent escalations on the battlefield have led to speculation that Russia may consider more aggressive strategies, including the nuclear option, to regain momentum.
Putin also defended Russia’s broader military objectives, accusing the West of provoking the conflict and prolonging the war through arms supplies and sanctions.
He reiterated Russia’s stance that it is fighting to protect its national security interests and prevent NATO’s expansion into regions close to its borders.
The Russian leader’s remarks were seen by analysts as an attempt to reassure both domestic and international audiences while still maintaining strategic ambiguity.
However, Putin’s statement has done little to ease global fears, as tensions continue to rise with no clear end to the war in sight.
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cc: Daily Post Ng
