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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## “Nuclear Option” on the Table: Interview with Dr. Anya Petrova on Putin’s Latest Threats
**World Today News:** Dr. Petrova, thank you for joining us today. russian President Putin has once again made alarming pronouncements regarding Ukraine, threatening the use of *all* Russian weapons should Kiev attempt to acquire nuclear capabilities. How should we interpret these statements?
**dr. Petrova:** This latest rhetoric from president Putin needs to be analyzed within the broader context of the ongoing conflict and his past statements. On the surface, it appears to be a stark escalation, threatening the unthinkable – nuclear war. However, it’s important to note that Putin has repeatedly used such language as a deterrent tactic, attempting to dissuade Western support for Ukraine.
**World Today News:** But there are reports circulating about the potential transfer of nuclear weapons to Ukraine from the West. Does Putin’s threat hold any real weight considering these reports?
**Dr. Petrova:** While the New York Times report regarding discussions about potential nuclear transfer to Ukraine remains unconfirmed, it highlights a key point: the increasing anxieties surrounding escalation. Putin’s statement,regardless of it’s intent,feeds into these anxieties.
It’s crucial to remember that the feasibility of Ukraine acquiring functional nuclear weapons in the foreseeable future is highly questionable.The infrastructure,expertise,and materials required are extensive and arduous to obtain undetected.
However, Putin also mentioned the possibility of Ukraine creating a “dirty bomb.” This is a more plausible scenario, involving the dispersal of radioactive material without the destructive power of a nuclear weapon. Such an act would be devastating in its own right and could possibly be used by Russia as a pretext for further aggression.
**World today News:** Putin also reiterated his conditions for a potential peace deal. What are these conditions, and how likely are they to be met?
**Dr.Petrova:** Putin’s stated conditions essentially amount to a Ukrainian surrender. These include recognizing the annexation of Crimea, accepting the independence of the Donbas regions, and guaranteeing Ukraine’s neutrality. these are demands that the Ukrainian government, supported by the international community, has consistently rejected.
Therefore, it’s highly unlikely that these conditions will be met in the near future. This suggests that the prospect of a negotiated settlement remains distant, with the conflict likely to continue, further exacerbating the tragedy for the Ukrainian people.
**World Today News:** Dr. Petrova, your insights are invaluable in helping us understand the complexities of this situation. Thank you for sharing your expertise with us today.
**Dr. Petrova:** Thank you for having me.
