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 Ukraine’s Security”
**world-Today-News Exclusive Interview with Dr. Anya Petrova, Senior Research Fellow at the Center for European Policy Studies**
*(Moscow, Russia)*
Following President Putin’s recent statements in Astana, world-Today-News spoke with Dr. Anya Petrova, a leading expert on Russian foreign policy and nuclear security, to analyze the implications of his rhetoric.
**World-Today-News**: Dr. Petrova, President putin has stated that Russia will use “all its weapons” against Ukraine if kyiv acquires nuclear weapons, a statement that understandably raises serious concerns. Could you elaborate on the importance of this threat?
**Dr. Petrova**: This is undoubtedly a hazardous escalation in rhetoric. While the technical feasibility of Ukraine building a nuclear weapon anytime soon is highly unlikely, Putin is likely employing this language for several reasons. Firstly, it serves as a deterrent, aiming to discourage Western support for Ukraine, notably any talk of providing Kyiv with nuclear capabilities.Secondly, it reinforces the narrative of Russia as a defender against the alleged “nazi threat” in ukraine, justifying any means necessary to secure its interests.
**World-today-news**: This statement follows reports in The New York Times alleging that some unnamed Western officials have suggested providing Ukraine with nuclear weapons.How credible are such suggestions,and what impact could they have on the situation?
**Dr. Petrova**: The idea of transferring nuclear weapons to Ukraine is highly controversial and would undoubtedly spark a global outcry. The consequences for stability in the region and beyond would be catastrophic, potentially escalating the conflict into a nuclear confrontation. While the reports suggest thes were preliminary, off-the-record discussions, they highlight the desperation and potential for miscalculation in this conflict.
**World-Today-News**: Putin also mentioned the possibility of Ukraine building a “dirty bomb.” What does this refer to, and should we take this threat seriously?
**Dr. Petrova**: A “dirty bomb” combines radioactive material with conventional explosives, creating a weapon that spreads radioactive contamination but lacks the explosive power of a nuclear bomb. While less devastating than a full-fledged nuclear weapon, the consequences of a dirty bomb detonation could still be horrifying. It’s crucial to recognize that Putin’s statement could be a tactic to cast doubt on Ukraine’s intentions and justify Russia’s own actions.
**World-Today-News**: Putin reiterated that the conditions for peacetalks remain unchanged. What does this mean for the future of the conflict?
**Dr. Petrova**: The lack of movement towards meaningful negotiations is deeply concerning. Putin’s insistence on his previously stated conditions – which include Ukraine recognizing Crimea as Russian territory and demilitarization – are unacceptable to Kyiv. this impasse suggests a protracted and potentially even more devastating conflict, if a diplomatic breakthrough isn’t achieved soon.
**World-Today-News**: Thank you for your insights, Dr. Petrova.
*(This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity)*
