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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## Putin Doubles Down on Nuclear Threat: Expert Weighs in
**World Today News Exclusive Interview**
**Astana, Kazakhstan** – Russian President Vladimir Putin has escalated regional tensions by reiterating his threat to use all of its weapons against Ukraine should the country attempt to acquire nuclear weapons. This statement follows reports in the New York Times suggesting unidentified Western officials proposed supplying Ukraine with nuclear weapons.
to shed light on this complex and alarming situation, we spoke with **Dr. Anya Petrova**, a leading expert in international security and nuclear proliferation at the **Institute for Strategic Studies**.
**WTN:** Dr. Petrova,President Putin’s statement is undeniably provocative. What are the implications of this renewed threat, especially considering the recent NYT report?
**Dr. petrova:** Putin’s words are a calculated escalation,intended to deter any potential Western support for Ukrainian nuclear ambitions.The NYT report, even if based on unnamed sources, is likely to have ruffled feathers in Moscow. By publicly stating his willingness to use “all weapons,” Putin sends a chilling message to both Ukraine and its allies. It’s a reminder that Russia views any attempt by Ukraine to acquire nuclear weapons as an existential threat.
**WTN:** How credible is the threat of Russia using nuclear weapons against ukraine?
**Dr. Petrova:** It’s a deeply worrying scenario, but it’s essential to analyze it rationally. While Putin’s rhetoric is certainly aggressive, the actual use of nuclear weapons remains highly unlikely. The potential repercussions for Russia, in terms of global condemnation and potential retaliation, are too notable to ignore. Though, the threat itself is damaging. it contributes to an atmosphere of fear and undermines any prospect of de-escalation.
**WTN:** Putin also mentioned the possibility of Ukraine developing a “dirty bomb.” What are your thoughts on this claim?
**Dr. Petrova:** It’s crucial to treat this claim with skepticism. While Ukraine possesses some nuclear infrastructure from the Soviet era, constructing a functional nuclear weapon is an incredibly complex and time-consuming process. A “dirty bomb,” while less refined, still requires access to radioactive material.
**WTN:** What does Putin’s statement regarding peace talks reveal about his current intentions?
**Dr. Petrova:** Despite his rhetoric, Putin’s insistence on the preconditions he set in June suggests a willingness to engage in negotiations, albeit on his terms. This highlights the paradox of his position – threatening unimaginable destruction while simultaneously leaving the door open to dialog.
**WTN:** Thank you for your insights,Dr. Petrova. This is a developing situation, and we will continue to monitor it closely.
**Dr. Petrova:** It is indeed a critical moment for global security. We must remain vigilant and work towards de-escalation while holding all parties accountable for their actions.
