During a panel discussion at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, President Vladimir Putin asserted that Russia would not need to use nuclear weapons to achieve victory in Ukraine. This statement was made in response to questions from Sergei Karaganov, a hawkish Russian foreign policy expert known for advocating extreme measures, including a pre-emptive nuclear strike.
Putin’s comments come amid heightened nuclear rhetoric since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Despite his claim, Putin did not rule out potential changes to Russia’s nuclear doctrine, stating that it remains a “living tool” subject to revision based on global developments. He also mentioned the possibility of Russia providing long-range weapons to other nations to target Western territories in retaliation for NATO allies allowing Ukraine to use Western-supplied arms against Russia.
During the forum, Putin reiterated Moscow’s readiness to use nuclear weapons if Russia’s sovereignty is threatened. He criticized Western countries for their support of Ukraine, warning that such actions undermine international security and could lead to severe consequences. Putin emphasized that Russia’s tactical nuclear arsenal is substantial and that Europe lacks a developed early warning system, making it vulnerable.
In recent actions, the United States and Germany authorized Ukraine to strike Russian soil with long-range weapons. A Western official confirmed that Ukraine has used U.S. weapons to target Russian territory under newly approved guidelines from President Joe Biden. Putin argued that these moves could be construed as direct involvement in the war against Russia, justifying reciprocal actions.
At the economic forum, Putin also addressed Russia’s strained relations with the West, asserting that regardless of the outcome of the upcoming U.S. presidential election, Russia would work with the elected leader. He dismissed the notion that significant changes in U.S.-Russia relations would occur based on the election results.
Putin’s remarks included a veiled threat to supply advanced conventional weapons to regions hostile to the West. He criticized the West for believing Russia would never use its nuclear arsenal and reiterated that Russia would use all available means to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Putin claimed that Western opportunities to end the fighting were not acted upon. He suggested that hostilities could cease if Washington halted its support for Kyiv. Putin also discussed the high casualties on both sides, though his claims regarding Ukrainian losses could not be independently verified and were met with skepticism by Western analysts.
During the forum, Putin touched on various topics, including the case of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who has been detained in Russia on espionage charges. Putin indicated that negotiations for Gershkovich’s release would be handled discreetly and based on reciprocity, hinting at a possible prisoner swap.
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