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 Brinkmanship? Putin’s Threats and the Ukraine Conflict”
**An Interview wiht Dr. Anya Petrova, Director of the center for Russian Studies at the Atlantic Council**
**World-Today-News: ** Dr. Petrova, Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that Russia will use “all of its weapons” against Ukraine if kiev attempts to acquire nuclear weapons. This statement follows reports suggesting that some US officials have considered the possibility of providing Ukraine with nuclear capabilities. what is your analysis of this exchange?
**Dr. Petrova:** This is a dangerous escalation of rhetoric. Putin’s threat, while not entirely surprising given his history of nuclear saber-rattling, should be taken seriously.His assertion that Russia would use “all of its weapons” suggests he’s willing to consider even the use of nuclear weapons in response to a perceived Ukrainian nuclear threat.
It’s crucial to emphasize that ther is no credible evidence that Ukraine is actively pursuing nuclear weapons. The international community has made it clear that any such move would be met with severe consequences.Though,Putin’s statement appears designed to create fear and pressure both Ukraine and the west.
**World-today-News: ** Some analysts have suggested that putin’s words could be a gambit to deter Western support for Ukraine, particularly in terms of supplying more advanced weaponry. What do you think?
**Dr. Petrova:** It’s certainly plausible.Putin understands that Western military aid is critical to Ukraine’s defense. By raising the specter of nuclear escalation, he aims to sow doubt and division among NATO allies, potentially hindering their willingness to provide further military assistance. He’s essentially trying to exploit Western fears of a wider conflict.
**World-Today-news: ** There have been reports that some Western officials have considered the possibility of providing Ukraine with nuclear weapons. How realistic is this option, and what would be the potential ramifications?
**Dr. Petrova: ** I believe providing Ukraine with nuclear weapons is an exceptionally dangerous proposition. It would dramatically increase the risk of nuclear war and create a highly volatile situation in Europe. It’s also highly unlikely that the international community would accept such a move.
The focus should remain on supporting Ukraine’s conventional defense capabilities and seeking a negotiated solution to the conflict.
**World-Today-news: ** Putin has also stated that the conditions for peace talks with Ukraine “remain unchanged.” What are these conditions, and are they realistic?
**Dr. Petrova:** Putin’s conditions, outlined in june, include the recognition of Russian-annexed territories, Ukrainian neutrality, and demilitarization. These are unacceptable to Ukraine and are essentially a prescription for its subordination to Russia.
While negotiations are ultimately necessary to end the conflict,achieving a meaningful and lasting peace requires a willingness on both sides to make concessions. Putin’s current stance demonstrates a lack of genuine interest in a negotiated settlement.
**World-Today-News: ** What are your key takeaways from this latest development in the Ukraine conflict?
**Dr. Petrova: ** This is a reminder that the Ukraine conflict is highly combustible and fraught with risks. Putin’s nuclear threats are designed to intimidate and to influence Western policy. It’s essential for the international community to remain united in its support for Ukraine while also exercising extreme caution to prevent further escalation. The stakes are too high for anything less.
