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 Warns of “All Weapons” If Ukraine Acquires Nuclear Capability
**World Today News Exclusive interview with Dr. Anya Petrova, Nuclear Security Expert**
**World Today News:** Dr. petrova, Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a stark warning, stating Russia would use “all of its weapons” against Ukraine if Kiev were too acquire nuclear weapons. How realistic is this threat, and what does it signify in the broader context of the conflict?
**Dr. Petrova:** It’s crucial to understand the nuance of Putin’s statement. While the threat itself is undoubtedly serious, the likelihood of Ukraine developing nuclear weapons in the foreseeable future is extremely low.
As Putin pointed out, ukraine lacks the infrastructure and technical expertise required for full-scale nuclear weapon production. Though, the possibility of Ukraine constructing a “dirty bomb”, a crude device using conventional explosives and radioactive material, cannot be entirely discounted. This type of weapon, while substantially less powerful than a nuclear bomb, could still cause significant damage and widespread fear.
Putin’s statement likely serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it aims to deter any potential Ukrainian aspirations towards acquiring nuclear weapons, nonetheless of how realistic they may seem. Secondly, it reinforces Russia’s nuclear deterrent posture, reminding the West of the potential consequences of continued military support for Ukraine. Lastly, the threat can be interpreted as a way to escalate the rhetoric and pressure Western nations into concessions at the negotiating table.
**World Today News:** The New York Times recently reported on suggestions from unidentified Western officials that the US consider supplying Ukraine with nuclear weapons. How credible is this proposal, and what implications could it have?
**Dr. Petrova:** The idea of the US providing nuclear weapons to Ukraine is highly controversial and likely faces significant internal opposition within the Biden management. It would be an unprecedented step, perhaps provoking a direct confrontation with Russia and significantly escalating the global security risks.
Furthermore, the logistical and strategic challenges associated with such a move are immense. Ensuring the security of nuclear material in an active war zone would be incredibly difficult,and the risk of these weapons falling into the wrong hands is ample.
Ultimately, I believe the possibility of the US supplying Ukraine with nuclear weapons is remote. It’s crucial to remember that the current focus remains on providing Ukraine with the conventional weaponry it needs to defend itself.
**World Today News:** Putin also mentioned that the conditions for starting peace talks with Ukraine remain unchanged. What are these conditions, and what are the prospects for a diplomatic resolution to the conflict?
**Dr. Petrova:** Putin’s preconditions for peace negotiations, outlined in June, include Ukraine’s recognition of Crimea as Russian territory, full demilitarization, and neutrality commitments, effectively guaranteeing no future NATO membership.
These terms are clearly unacceptable to Ukrainian leadership and Western allies. Consequently, the prospects for a negotiated settlement based on these conditions appear bleak at this juncture.
However, it’s important to remember that war is a dynamic process, and circumstances can change. Continued military pressure on Russia, coupled with sustained international sanctions, could potentially incentivize Moscow to make concessions in the future.
Ultimately, achieving a lasting peace solution will require both sides to show willingness to compromise and engage in good-faith negotiations. The road ahead remains difficult, but it’s crucial to keep diplomatic channels open and explore all avenues for de-escalation.
