Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that Russia will prevent any attempt by Ukraine to acquire nuclear weapons and that it will use all of its weapons against Ukraine if such a scenario unfolds. “Russia will use all of its weapons against of Ukraine if Kiev acquires nuclear weapons,” he said characteristically.
The New York Times had reported last week that some unidentified Western officials suggested that US President Joe Biden give Ukraine nuclear weapons before he leaves office.
Putin, speaking in Astana, Kazakhstan, said it was virtually impossible for Ukraine to produce a nuclear weapon, but that it might be able to build some kind of “dirty bomb.”
The conditions for starting talks with Ukraine remain unchanged
The Russian president also said there were no conditions for the start of talks with Ukraine on a potential peace deal, but the conditions he set in June for a deal remain unchanged.
He had said in June that Russia would end the war in Ukraine only if Kiev agreed to abandon its NATO ambitions and hand over all four provinces claimed by Moscow, demands that Kiev quickly dismissed as tantamount to surrender.
He criticized Germany for using illegal measures in relation to the treatment of Rosneft’s assets
The Russian president also said Germany had used “illegal measures” and “unacceptable” methods in handling assets belonging to Russia’s biggest oil producer Rosneft, the Interfax news agency reported.
The future of Rosneft’s German assets, which include a 54.17% stake in the PCK Schwedt refinery, is unclear after Berlin effectively took control of them.
Reassuring about the recent devaluation of the ruble
Referring to the devaluation of the ruble in recent days, the Russian president said there was no reason to panic, saying the sometimes sharp fluctuations in the Russian currency were related to budget payments and seasonal changes.
The ruble started to recover today after falling more than 7% against the US dollar, hitting 115 per dollar in the previous session, after the central bank said it would stop buying foreign currency to stabilize financial markets.
Putin was speaking in Astana, Kazakhstan, after a summit with leaders of the Collective Security Treaty Organization, a security alliance of former Soviet countries.
Putin for Trump
Putin has praised US President-elect Donald Trump, calling him an “experienced and intelligent politician” while expressing concern for his safety following attempts on his life.
Speaking to reporters after a summit in Kazakhstan, he said he was shocked by the attacks on Trump’s family and children by political opponents during the US election campaign.
“As for the newly elected (US) president, he is ultimately an intelligent man, who already has a lot of experience. I think he will find a solution,” Putin said during a press conference on the sidelines of his visit to Kazakhstan.
He also said he was shocked by the way Trump’s family and children had been criticized by political opponents during the US election campaign.
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## Expert Interview: Putin’s Nuclear threat and the Prospects for Peace in Ukraine
**world Today News Exclusive Interview with Dr. Anya Petrova, Senior Research Fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace**
**World today News:** Dr. Petrova, Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a stark warning, stating that Russia would use “all of its weapons” against Ukraine if Kiev seeks to acquire nuclear weapons. This comes after reports suggesting some Western officials have mooted the idea of providing Ukraine with nuclear capabilities.
What do you make of this escalation in rhetoric and the potential risks involved?
**Dr. Petrova:** Putin’s statement is a clear attempt to intimidate both Ukraine and the West. The threat of using “all of its weapons” implies the potential use of nuclear weapons, a profoundly perilous scenario. While it’s highly unlikely Ukraine could develop a nuclear weapon in the near future, Putin’s fearmongering highlights the Kremlin’s deep anxieties about the trajectory of the war and its potential for escalation.
the suggestion by unidentified Western officials regarding ukraine acquiring nuclear weapons is reckless and irresponsible. It unnecessarily raises tensions and plays directly into Putin’s narrative of a threatened Russia. Such a move would violate the Non-Proliferation Treaty and could have catastrophic consequences for global security.
**World Today News:** Putin also claims that while a full-fledged nuclear program is unlikely, Ukraine might be capable of building a “dirty bomb.” What is the significance of this claim?
**Dr. Petrova:** The “dirty bomb” allegation is a classic Russian disinformation tactic. It seeks to sow fear and doubt, potentially justifying a pre-emptive Russian attack while also casting Ukraine as a rogue actor. There is currently no credible evidence to support this claim.
**World Today News:** Putin stated that there are no conditions for starting talks with Ukraine,but he reaffirmed the conditions he previously outlined in June. how should we interpret this apparent contradiction?
**Dr. Petrova:** This is a carefully crafted ambiguity. Putin aims to appear open to negotiations while together maintaining his maximalist demands. These demands, which include Ukrainian territorial concessions and demilitarization, are essentially non-starters for Kyiv. It’s a cynical manoeuvre designed to project an image of reasonableness while effectively blocking any meaningful dialog.
**World Today News:** Given the current situation, what are the likely prospects for a negotiated settlement to the conflict?
**Dr. Petrova:** The prospects remain bleak. Both sides appear entrenched in their positions, and the risk of further escalation remains alarmingly high. the international community must continue to exert pressure on Russia through sanctions and diplomatic isolation.
Simultaneously, efforts must be made to provide Ukraine with the necessary support to defend itself while also exploring choice avenues for de-escalation and dialogue. The consequences of this war are too grave to allow continued fighting without exhausting all possible means of achieving a peaceful resolution.
**World Today News:** Thank you for your insights, Dr. Petrova.
