Russian President Vladimir Putin has suggested Russia could return to testing nuclear weapons and may withdraw ratification of the landmark nuclear test ban treaty.
In a speech on the 5th of this month involving nuclear weapons, energy and the war in Ukraine, Putin also said that Russia has tested a new nuclear-powered missile delivery system, but has not yet decided whether to resume testing of explosives.
Speaking at a forum of foreign policy experts in Sochi, Putin said, “I don’t think anyone with a sound mind and a clear memory would want to use nuclear weapons against Russia.”
“I’m hearing the calls to start testing nuclear weapons, to go back to testing nuclear weapons,” he added. “I’m not ready to say whether we really need to do testing.”
He also announced that Russia has effectively completed the development of the “Brevestnik” cruise missile and the “Sarmat” heavy intercontinental ballistic missile and will be committed to putting them into production.
He pointed out, “We conducted the last successful test of the ‘Brevestnik’ nuclear-powered cruise missile with unlimited range.” His statement was also the first time to announce the successful test of the “Brevestnik” cruise missile (“Brevestnik” Stenik” means “Storm Petrel”). Putin first mentioned the weapon in 2018.
Little is known about the Brevestnik cruise missile, which NATO calls Skyfall, and many Western experts are skeptical, noting that nuclear engines can be highly unreliable.
It is believed to be capable of carrying nuclear or conventional warheads, and due to its nuclear propulsion, it can stay in the air longer and cover greater distances than other missiles.
Ukraine war: Russian missile attack on Kharkiv kills at least 51 (Agency)
Putin’s speech was the latest by the Russian leader to highlight the country’s nuclear capabilities, as relations between Russia and Western powers remain tense over Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Putin said that “theoretically” it is still possible for Russia to withdraw from the treaty banning nuclear weapons testing, but Russia has not yet made a decision on this.
He also pointed out that the United States has not signed the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty and said Russia, which ratified the treaty in 2000, may follow the United States’ lead.
“The New Iron Curtain”
In a wide-ranging speech, Russian President Vladimir Putin said the West was trying to create a “new Iron Curtain” and blamed Western powers for Russia’s military action in Ukraine.
Putin pointed out that “this war was started by the Kiev regime with the active support of the West and has lasted for 10 years.” “Russia launched special military operations precisely to prevent this kind of war.”
Russia’s so-called special military operation against Ukraine in February 2022. Since then, thousands of civilians have died and millions have fled the country, according to the United Nations. Tens of thousands of soldiers were killed or wounded on both sides, and large swathes of eastern and southern Ukraine were devastated in the fighting.
Earlier on the 5th, Ukrainian officials reported that a Russian missile attack hit a grocery store and cafe near the city of Kharkiv, killing at least 51 people.
In his speech, Putin also said that Russia is trying to create a “new world” that is not afraid of Western “hegemony” and praised the rising influence of Eastern countries such as India and China.
He also reiterated Russia’s opposition to Ukraine joining NATO, which he also believed was a tool of U.S. foreign policy, but said he was not opposed to Ukraine joining the European Union.
#Putin #hints #Russia #return #nuclear #weapons #testing
2023-10-06 02:07:37
