Putin Affirms Willingness to Deploy Nuclear Weapons in Defense of Russian State, Yet Underscores Current Lack of Necessity
In a recent interview with state media, President Vladimir Putin reiterated Moscow's preparedness to utilize nuclear weapons in safeguarding the Russian state, emphasizing that the current circumstances do not warrant such extreme measures. Putin's statement highlights the seriousness of the situation while also emphasizing the current absence of a dire need for nuclear action.
Moscow is prepared to use nuclear weapons to defend the Russian state, President Vladimir Putin stated in an interview with state media on Wednesday. However, he emphasized that there has never been a situation where such extreme measures were necessary.
Putin made these remarks in interviews with Rossiya 1 and RIA Novosti as the presidential elections on March 15 approach. He is expected to easily win a fifth term in office. This comes as the conflict in Ukraine, which Putin has been involved in, enters its third year.
Putin reassured that Russia is prepared for a nuclear war in terms of military and technology, without indicating any immediate threat.
He cautioned that should US troops be sent to Ukraine, Russia would consider them as interventionists.
Putin mentioned that aside from US President Joe Biden, there are plenty of other experts in the field of Russian-American relations and strategic restraint. He expressed his belief that not everything will escalate into a confrontation, but assured that they are prepared for any situation.
In addition, Putin noted that the United States is also enhancing its nuclear forces; however, he emphasized that this does not signify an immediate readiness to engage in a nuclear war.
"They are currently working on tasks to enhance modernity and innovation, with a corresponding plan in place. We are also aware of their efforts in developing all aspects. Similarly, we are also focused on our own progress," Putin stated.
A member of the Ukrainian military, 59th Brigade, waits to take on new supplies before moving to a new position in November 2022 in Kherson, Ukraine.
A member of the Ukrainian military, 59th Brigade, waits to take on new supplies before moving to a new position in November 2022 in Kherson, Ukraine.
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Exclusive: US prepared ‘rigorously’ for potential Russian nuclear strike in Ukraine in late 2022, officials say
"We have our own principles when it comes to using weapons. They exist for a reason."
The US intelligence community believes that Russia views its extensive nuclear weapons arsenal as a crucial asset in any potential conflict with the United States or NATO. The ongoing struggles in Ukraine have only heightened concerns that Russia may resort to using these weapons.
The intelligence community's annual unclassified threat assessment highlighted concerns about Russia's struggle to achieve quick victories on the battlefield and the possibility of Putin resorting to nuclear weapons due to Ukrainian strikes within Russia.
In late 2022, the US started thorough preparations in anticipation of Russia using a tactical battlefield nuclear weapon against Ukraine, as detailed in CNN correspondent Jim Sciutto's recent book, "The Return of Great Powers."
The intelligence community report mentioned that Russia is enhancing and updating its nuclear weapons delivery systems. Moscow sees these systems as a way to prevent enemies, manage potential conflicts, and counter US and Allied conventional forces.
The report highlighted that Russia is developing long-range nuclear-capable missiles and underwater delivery systems. These systems are designed to evade or overcome US missile defenses.
Earlier this month, CNN was informed by two senior US administration officials that the US started getting ready in late 2022 for the possibility of Russia launching a nuclear attack on Ukraine.
The officials mentioned that the Biden administration was particularly worried about Russia using a tactical or battlefield nuclear weapon.
Putin deployed tactical nuclear weapons to Belarus last year, while Dmitry Medvedev mentioned that strategic nuclear weapons could be used to protect Russian territories from Ukraine.
In a statement to Russian state media, Putin mentioned that Western countries believed they could eliminate Russia during the Ukraine invasion. However, he asserted that Moscow's financial and economic systems are stable, and the strength of its armed forces is continuously increasing.
NATO intelligence indicates that Russia is on track to produce almost three times more artillery munitions than the US and Europe. This gives Russia a significant advantage as they prepare for another offensive in Ukraine. According to a NATO official, Russian artillery factories are operating around the clock with rotating 12-hour shifts.
Despite the increase in production, US and Western officials believe that Russia's ramp-up is still insufficient to meet their needs. Additionally, Western intelligence officials do not anticipate Russia making significant battlefield gains in the near future.
On February 29, 2024, in Moscow, Russia, Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered his annual state of the nation address. Just over two years after Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Putin is anticipated to win re-election in the upcoming 2024 Presidential Elections scheduled for March. 
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Putin's re-election campaign is in full swing, but he faces a succession issue. Meanwhile, Ukraine urgently requires US assistance for weapons and military equipment. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that without this aid, "millions" could lose their lives.
The Biden administration revealed a new military aid package for Ukraine, valued at up to $300 million on Tuesday. However, President Biden emphasized that this amount was insufficient and called for Congress to approve more funding.
During an interview with state media, President Putin stated that Russia is open to negotiating with Ukraine, but only under conditions grounded in reality.
"Are we prepared for negotiations? Yes, we are prepared. However, our readiness is solely for negotiations that are grounded in reality, not influenced by the use of psychotropic drugs. As they say, based on the actual circumstances," Putin stated.
When questioned about the possibility of reaching a "fair agreement" with the West, he responded, "I do not trust anyone, but we do require guarantees."
Zelensky has refused to consider negotiating peace with the Kremlin and has made it clear that he will not surrender any Ukrainian land.
In a September interview with CNN, he explained, “You can’t have a meaningful discussion with someone who is dishonest.”
During the interview on Rossiya 1 that aired on Wednesday, Putin mentioned that Ukrainian attacks on Belgorod and Kursk are happening due to Kyiv's failures on the battlefield. He also stated that the goal of these attacks is to interfere with Russia's upcoming election.
CNN's Katie Bo Lillis contributed to this report.
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