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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## Exclusive Interview: Russia’s Nuclear Calculus and the Path to Peace in Ukraine
**World Today News:** We’re joined today by Dr. Elena Petrovna, a leading expert on Russian foreign policy and nuclear strategy at the Institute for Strategic Studies in Berlin. Dr. Petrovna, thank you for taking the time to speak with us today.
**Dr. Petrovna:** It’s my pleasure.
**World Today News:** President Putin’s recent statements regarding Ukraine and nuclear weapons have caused widespread alarm. He pledged to use “all of its weapons” if Ukraine acquires nuclear capabilities. How seriously should we take these pronouncements?
**Dr. Petrovna:** It’s crucial to understand the context of these statements. Putin’s rhetoric has become increasingly escalatory over the past months, fueled by battlefield setbacks and internal pressures. While the likelihood of Ukraine developing nuclear weapons in the near future is extremely low, Putin’s words are intended to send a chilling message: any attempt by Ukraine to shift the military balance through nuclear proliferation will be met with overwhelming Russian force. This serves as a deterrent, but also a perilous gambit in an already volatile situation.
**World Today News:** Some reports suggest discussions occurred in U.S. circles about providing Ukraine with nuclear weapons. How realistic is this scenario, and what would the consequences be?
**dr. Petrovna:** The possibility of the U.S. directly supplying Ukraine with nuclear weapons is highly unlikely and would represent a drastic escalation with perhaps catastrophic consequences. Such a move could trigger a direct military confrontation between NATO and Russia,potentially sparking a broader nuclear conflict. It’s crucial for all parties to understand the immense risks involved and to pursue diplomatic solutions instead.
**World Today News:** Putin also mentioned the possibility of Ukraine developing a “dirty bomb.” What is the significance of this statement, and how credible is the threat?
**Dr. Petrovna:** A “dirty bomb” utilizes conventional explosives to disperse radioactive material, causing terror and contamination. While ukraine developing a nuclear device is improbable, a dirty bomb could be constructed with less sophisticated technology. This statement could be a way to discredit Ukraine on the international stage, creating a pretext for further Russian aggression. However,it’s crucial to emphasize that accusations without self-reliant verification should always be treated with skepticism.
**World Today News:** Putin insists there are “no conditions” for talks with Ukraine, but also maintains the conditions set in June for a peace deal remain unchanged.Can you clarify this apparent contradiction?
**Dr. Petrovna:** Putin’s statements are deliberately ambiguous. He seeks to portray himself as open to negotiation while simultaneously demanding unrealistic concessions from Ukraine. The conditions he outlined in June,such as recognizing Russian territorial gains,are unacceptable to Kyiv and the international community.This contradictory stance, coupled with the ongoing conflict, suggests Russia is not genuinely committed to a negotiated settlement at this point in time.
**World Today News:** What are the possible pathways towards a peaceful resolution of the conflict?
**Dr. Petrovna:** The path to peace is long and complex. It requires a willingness from all sides to engage in good-faith negotiations, build trust, and compromise. This will necessitate international mediation, diplomatic pressure on Russia, and unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Ultimately, a sustainable solution must address the underlying security concerns of both Ukraine and Russia, laying the groundwork for a stable and lasting peace.
**World Today News:** Dr. Petrovna, thank you for your time and valuable insights.
**Dr. Petrovna:** It was my pleasure.
