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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## “Existential Threat” or political Maneuver: Experts Weigh In on Putin’s Nuclear Threats
**World-Today-News Exclusive Interview**
Following Russian President Vladimir Putin’s stark warning that russia will deploy “all of its weapons” against Ukraine shoudl Kiev acquire nuclear weapons, World-Today-News spoke to leading experts to unpack the ramifications of this statement and its implications for the ongoing conflict.
**Dr. Anya Petrova, Senior Research fellow at the Royal United Services Institute**:
* **WTA-N**: Dr. Petrova, Putin’s statement seems to escalate the already tense situation. How do you interpret this threat?
* **Dr. Petrova**: While Putin’s rhetoric is undoubtedly alarming,it’s crucial to analyse it within the broader context. On the one hand, it could be seen as a genuine expression of concern, albeit a disproportionate one, given Ukraine’s highly limited capabilities to develop nuclear weapons. Conversely, it might be a calculated tactic to deter Western support for Ukraine, notably considering reports suggesting the US might consider providing Ukraine with nuclear weapons.
* **WTA-N**: You mentioned the report by The New York Times regarding potential US nuclear assistance to Ukraine. How credible do you find this claim?
* **Dr. petrova**: While the prospect of the US providing Ukraine with nuclear weapons is highly controversial and unlikely, the mere suggestion from unidentified Western officials underscores the desperation and willingness to explore all options considering the protracted conflict. It is indeed vital that such discussions remain within strictly confidential channels to avoid further escalation.
**Professor Mark Williams, Professor of War Studies at King’s College London:**
* **WTA-N**: Professor Williams, Putin also alluded to the possibility of Ukraine developing a “dirty bomb.” What is the likelihood of this scenario?
* **Professor Williams**: A dirty bomb is a radiological weapon that uses conventional explosives to spread radioactive material.While technically less complex to construct than a nuclear weapon, acquiring the necessary radioactive materials would still pose a significant challenge for Ukraine.
* **WTA-N**: Putin, however, insisted that the conditions for a peace deal remain unchanged. What are thes conditions, and how realistic are they?
* **Professor Williams**: The conditions Putin outlined in June largely focus on Ukrainian territorial cessions and neutrality, effectively stripping Ukraine of its sovereignty. These demands are frankly unacceptable to the Ukrainian government and the international community. Without a willingness to compromise on both sides, a negotiated peace settlement remains highly unlikely.
**Dr. Elena kazakova,Director of the center for Strategic and International Studies at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations**:
* **WTA-N**: Dr. Kazakova, how do you perceive Putin’s statements being received within Russia?
* **Dr. Kazakova**: Putin’s rhetoric resonates with a sizable portion of the Russian public, who view the West as a direct threat and support the ongoing military campaign in Ukraine. Though, there is also growing anxiety about the economic repercussions of the conflict and the escalating tensions with the West.
* **WTA-N**: Ultimately, what do you foresee as the next steps in this volatile situation?
* **Dr. Kazakova**: Both sides seem entrenched in their positions, making a swift resolution improbable.We might see continued military escalation, coupled with diplomatic posturing and international efforts to de-escalate the situation.Though, the risk of unintended consequences, including the potential for a wider conflict, remains alarmingly high.
**The situation remains fluid and precarious. World-Today-News will continue to monitor developments and provide comprehensive coverage of this complex and evolving crisis.**
