In remarks published on Wednesday, President Vladimir Putin reiterated Russia’s state of combat readiness and its preparedness for nuclear conflict, emphasizing that the country was fully equipped for such an eventuality. However, he also clarified that Russia wasn’t rushing towards nuclear confrontation at present.
In an interview with state media outlets Rossiya-1 television and RIA news agency, Putin underscored Russia’s willingness to use nuclear weapons if its sovereignty was threatened, particularly in response to American troop deployments near Russian territory or Ukraine.
He expressed confidence that specialists in Russian-American relations and strategic restraint within the United States understood the potential consequences of such actions.
Putin reiterated that Russia’s nuclear doctrine outlined circumstances for weapon use, affirming that weapons existed to be used while emphasizing adherence to established principles.
He suggested the possibility of Russia conducting nuclear tests in response to similar actions by the United States, although he stressed the need for careful consideration before such measures.
Despite these statements, Putin maintained that Russia had not found it necessary to employ nuclear weapons in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, questioning the rationale behind using weapons of mass destruction.
Putin’s remarks conveyed Russia’s readiness for nuclear conflict while simultaneously advocating for strategic restraint. The interview highlighted the delicate balance between preparedness and the desire to avoid escalation, particularly in the context of ongoing geopolitical tensions.
