The United States on Thursday denounced Russian President Vladimir Putin’s warnings about the risk of nuclear war, describing them as “irresponsible,” but said there was no indication of an imminent threat.
US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller told reporters, “This is not the first time we have seen irresponsible speech from Vladimir Putin. The leader of a nuclear-armed country cannot speak in this way.”
He added, “In the past, we communicated privately and directly with Russia regarding the repercussions of using nuclear weapons.”
Miller added, “We have no indication that Russia is preparing to use a nuclear weapon.”
In turn, French Armed Forces Minister Sebastien Lecornu said Thursday to reporters near Toulouse, “I listened carefully to what the President of the Russian Federation said this morning. When you represent a nuclear power, you do not have the right to be irresponsible and escalate.”
In an address to the nation Thursday, Putin warned the West of “tragic consequences” for any country that sends troops to Ukraine to fight against the Russian army.
“Everything the West creates creates a real danger of conflict using nuclear weapons, and thus the elimination of civilization,” Putin added.
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2024-02-29 19:27:41
