Putin Addresses Nuclear Concerns in Recent Broadcast
In a recent televised interview marking his 25 years in power, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that the need for nuclear weapons in the Ukraine conflict has not arisen and expressed hope that such measures would not be necessary. The comments come amid ongoing international fears regarding nuclear escalation since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in early 2022.
Putin, in a program aired on state television, asserted that Russia possesses the strength to bring the conflict to a “logical conclusion.” When questioned about Ukrainian strikes on Russian territory, he emphasized, “There has been no need to use those [nuclear] weapons … and I hope they will not be required.” This response reflects the caution exercised by U.S. officials and international leaders, including former CIA director William Burns, who warned of a significant risk that Russia might resort to nuclear options.
In late 2022, the U.S. issued warnings to Russia concerning the dire consequences of nuclear weapon use. Meanwhile, Chinese President Xi Jinping also advised against such actions. In November 2024, Putin signed a revised nuclear doctrine that broadened the conditions under which nuclear weapons could be employed, even in response to conventional attacks backed by nuclear powers.
Diplomatically, there have been calls from U.S. President Donald Trump for a peaceful resolution to the conflict, but the Kremlin has dismissed demands from Kyiv and Washington for a ceasefire. Since launching a military campaign in February 2022, Russia has reportedly gained control of approximately 20% of Ukraine’s territory.
Putin, who has been in power since the end of 1999, remains a highly controversial figure, having surpassed Joseph Stalin as the longest-serving leader of modern Russia.
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