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 Exclusive Interview: Professor Emily Carter Analyzes putin’s Nuclear Threat
**World Today News:** Professor Carter, thank you for joining us. Russian President Vladimir Putin has made stark statements against any Ukrainian attempts to acquire nuclear weapons,even threatening the use of all available Russian weapons if this scenario unfolds. How should we interpret this statement?
**Professor Emily Carter (Nuclear Non-Proliferation Expert):** President Putin’s statement is undeniably concerning and reflects the heightened tensions surrounding the ongoing conflict. While it’s important to take any nuclear threat seriously, it’s crucial to understand the context.
Firstly,the probability of ukraine developing nuclear weapons in the foreseeable future is very low. They lack the necessary infrastructure, materials, and expertise. Putin himself acknowledges this, but raises the specter of a “dirty bomb,” which is a much different threat.
Secondly, Putin’s statement seems designed to deter Western support for Ukraine – particularly any discussions about providing Ukraine wiht nuclear capabilities. The threat itself is a way to maintain pressure on the West and potentially gain leverage in future negotiations.
**World Today News:** There have been reports alleging that some Western officials have floated the idea of providing Ukraine with nuclear weapons before President Biden leaves office. Is this a realistic proposal and what are the potential consequences?
**Professor Carter:** The very idea of transferring nuclear weapons to Ukraine is highly controversial and raises serious concerns. Providing a non-nuclear state with nuclear weapons would considerably escalate tensions and undermine global non-proliferation efforts.
Such a move would likely trigger a strong reaction from Russia, potentially leading to further military escalation. Furthermore, it could set a hazardous precedent, encouraging other countries to seek nuclear weapons.
**world Today news:** what about Putin’s claim that there are no conditions for starting talks with Ukraine, but reiterating his existing preconditions from June?
**Professor Carter:** This contradictory statement highlights the complexity of the situation. Putin claims a desire for negotiations while simultaneously maintaining unrealistic demands. This suggests a lack of genuine willingness to compromise.
Until Russia shows a genuine commitment to meaningful dialog and is willing to renegotiate its preconditions, any talks are likely to be unproductive.
**World Today News:** What steps can the international community take to de-escalate the situation and prevent the risk of nuclear escalation?
**Professor Carter:** The international community should continue to emphasize the dangers of nuclear proliferation and reiterate its commitment to non-proliferation treaties. Open diplomatic channels with both Russia and Ukraine must be maintained to encourage dialogue and build trust.
Transparency and interaction are essential to prevent misunderstandings and miscalculations. The international community also needs to continue providing humanitarian assistance to Ukraine and support efforts for peaceful resolution.
**World Today News:** Thank you, Professor Carter, for your invaluable insights into this complex situation.
