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: An Expert Interview
**World Today News: ** Following President Putin’s recent statements regarding Russia’s response to a potential Ukrainian nuclear program, tensions have further escalated. To shed some light on this complex situation, we’re joined by Dr.Natalia Petrova, a leading expert on russian foreign policy and nuclear proliferation at the Institute for International Security Studies.
**Dr.Petrova, thank you for joining us.**
**Dr. Petrova:** My pleasure.
**WTN:** President putin has stated that Russia will use “all of its weapons” against Ukraine should kyiv attempt to acquire nuclear weapons. What is the significance of this statement?
**Dr. Petrova:** This is a risky and escalatory rhetoric that should be taken seriously. it signals Putin’s willingness to engage in a nuclear confrontation, a truly terrifying prospect. His declaration essentially raises the specter of potential nuclear retaliation against any perceived nuclear threat from Ukraine,regardless of its nature.
**WTN:** Some have argued that this statement is a bluff intended to deter the West from providing Ukraine with more military aid. What do you think?
**Dr. Petrova:** It’s a dangerous game Putin is playing. While it might be partly a tactic to dissuade further Western support for Ukraine, his willingness to use such language indicates a genuine sense of threat. We cannot rule out the possibility that Putin believes his own rhetoric and is prepared to follow through.
**WTN:** The New York Times reported on suggestions from unnamed Western officials that the US consider providing Ukraine with nuclear weapons. What are the implications of such a move?
**Dr. Petrova:** This is a highly controversial proposition with potentially disastrous consequences. Transferring nuclear weapons to Ukraine would considerably heighten the risk of nuclear escalation and could trigger a regional conflict potentially involving NATO. Moreover, it risks violating the Non-Proliferation treaty and undermining global efforts to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons.
**WTN:** Putin stated that while producing a nuclear weapon might be tough for Ukraine,they could potentially construct a “dirty bomb”. What does this mean, and how credible is this threat?
**Dr. Petrova:** A “dirty bomb” combines conventional explosives with radioactive material, spreading radioactive contamination but without the explosive force of a nuclear weapon. While creating a nuclear weapon is extremely complex, assembling a dirty bomb is relatively simpler. The threat should be taken seriously,but it’s vital to note that Russia has a history of using such accusations to justify its own actions.
**WTN:** President Putin stated that there are no conditions for starting talks with Ukraine. However, he reiterated the conditions he laid out in June. Can we expect any progress towards peace negotiations?
**Dr. Petrova:** The situation remains extremely fragile. While Putin claims to be open to negotiations, his insistence on previously stated conditions, which
**WTN:**Thank you for your insightful analysis, Dr. Petrova.
This interview serves as a starting point for understanding the complex and dangerous situation unfolding in Ukraine, highlighting the threats posed by nuclear rhetoric and the need for de-escalation and diplomacy.
