Moscow (Europe Brief News) – Russian President Vladimir Putin declared during a television interview that Russia has not deployed nuclear weapons yet in Ukraine. However, he insists upon attaining Moscow’s military targets in the ongoing war.
Putin Downplays Nuclear Threat
In excerpts from an upcoming state television interview released on Telegram, Putin responded to questions about Ukrainian attacks on Russian territory by saying:
Responding to a question about Ukrainian strikes on Russia from a state television reporter, Putin said:
“There has been no need to use those (nuclear) weapons … and I hope they will not be required.”
as reported by Reuters News.
He said:
“We have enough strength and means to bring what was started in 2022 to a logical conclusion with the outcome Russia requires.”
Current State of the Conflict
Since ordering the invasion in February 2022 – which the Kremlin calls a “special military operation” – Russian forces have established control over approximately 20% of Ukrainian territory after being repelled from initial attempts to capture Kyiv. The occupied regions of eastern and southern Ukraine represent a major portion of Ukrainian territory.
These comments emerged when the world remains vigilant about nuclear escalation risks throughout the conflict. Russia strongly considered using nuclear arms against Ukraine when former CIA Director William Burns warned about this possibility in late 2022. Putin’s latest comments suggest a more restrained position even as he reaffirms Russia’s war aims.
Diplomatic Signals by Putin
Putin has demonstrated rising interest in negotiating possible peace agreements in recent weeks. The Russian president’s new diplomatic stance emerged as former U.S. President Donald Trump extended his proposal to resolve the warfare.
The analysts agree that Putin’s willingness to initiate discussions about peace does not signal any degradation of Russia’s strategic goals in Ukraine.
The Russian president uses carefully calculated statements to demonstrate military strength while showing readiness to avoid escalating to nuclear warfare during the prolonged Ukrainian conflict. Moscow faces critical international sanctions and military opposition, with the aim of retaining control of Ukrainian territory.
