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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## World Today News Exclusive Interview: Professor Elena Ivanova on PutinS Nuclear Threats and Prospects for Peace
**World Today News:** Professor Ivanova, thank you for joining us. Russian President Putin has made inflammatory remarks about using “all of its weapons” against Ukraine if they acquire nuclear weapons. What are your immediate thoughts on these comments?
**Prof. Elena Ivanova:** this is extremely concerning rhetoric,especially coming in the context of ongoing war. While it’s likely a tactic aimed at deterring Western support for Ukraine, it escalates tensions and increases the risk of miscalculation. Putin knows full well that the possibility of Ukraine developing nuclear weapons in the near future is extremely low.
**World Today News:** There have been reports, though unconfirmed, suggesting that some US officials are considering providing Ukraine with nuclear weapons. How seriously shoudl we take these suggestions?
**Prof. Ivanova:** It’s crucial to approach such reports with caution. Providing Ukraine with nuclear weapons would be a gargantuan geopolitical risk with possibly devastating consequences. It would dramatically escalate the conflict and likely trigger a catastrophic response from Russia.
**World Today News:** Putin also mentioned the possibility of Ukraine developing a “dirty bomb.” How credible is this threat?
**Prof. Ivanova:** A “dirty bomb” is a crude radiological weapon that uses conventional explosives to spread radioactive material. While Ukraine might have access to some radioactive materials, assembling and detonating a dirty bomb would be a complex operation. It’s more likely a tactic to sow fear and discredit Ukraine on the international stage.
**World Today News:** While Putin claims there are “no conditions” for peace talks, he also reaffirms his previous demands. Do you see any possibility for a negotiated settlement in the near future?
**Prof. Ivanova:** Sadly, the prospects for peace talks seem bleak at this moment.Putin’s demands for territorial concessions and regime change in Ukraine are simply unacceptable to the ukrainian government. Without a meaningful shift in either side’s position, a negotiated solution appears highly improbable.
**World Today News:** What are the potential next steps in this escalating situation?
**Prof. Ivanova:** The international community must unequivocally condemn Putin’s nuclear threats and reiterate its full support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. diplomatic efforts must continue, but a real breakthrough will require a change in russia’s calculus. The risk of this conflict spiraling out of control remains very real, and the world needs to act urgently to prevent further escalation.
**World Today News:** Professor Ivanova, thank you for sharing your valuable insights with us.
