- Russia Deploys Tactical Nuclear Weapons in Belarus
- US Sees No Indications of Russian Nuclear Threat to Ukraine
- Putin’s International Engagements and Economic Outlook
According to Vladimir Putin, Russia has already deployed its first shipment of tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus.
He stated at an economic forum that they would only be employed if Russia’s territory or state were under attack.
According to the US government, there are no indications that the Kremlin intends to use nuclear weapons against Ukraine.
Following Mr. Putin’s remarks, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated, “We see no indications that Russia is preparing to use a nuclear weapon.”
Russia’s partner Belarus launched Mr. Putin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February.
The tactical nuclear warheads are significantly less potent than the majority of Russia’s nuclear arsenal. Mr. Putin indicated that the transfer would be completed by the end of summer.
In response to queries following a speech at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, the Russian president stated that the move was aimed at “containment” and to send a message to anyone “considering inflicting a strategic defeat on us.”
When queried by the moderator of the forum about the possibility of using these weapons, he responded, “Why should we threaten the entire world? I have already stated that extreme measures are a possibility if the Russian state is threatened.”
After presenting a peace offer to Kyiv on Friday, the Russian leader will meet with African leaders in St. Petersburg.
While they were in the city, however, it was attacked by Russian missiles.
President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa called for de-escalation and peace negotiations on both factions.
“We came here to listen and acknowledge what the Ukrainian people have endured,” he said.
However, the president of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, stated that Russia should be diplomatically isolated as a means of conveying that the international community condemned its invasion.
Mr. Zelensky stated that Kyiv would not negotiate with Moscow so long as the latter occupied Ukrainian territory.
Mr. Putin also reiterated his allegation that the Ukrainian counteroffensive had no chance of success.
He said the Ukrainian military was running out of equipment and would eventually rely exclusively on Western donations.
“You can’t fight like that for long,” he cautioned, adding that any F16 fighter jets given to Ukraine “will burn, without a doubt.”
Ukraine has denied such claims, saying it is recapturing eastern and southern Ukraine.
The Russian leader also addressed economic issues, asserting that Western sanctions against Russia had failed to isolate the country and had instead led to an expansion of its trade with “future markets.”
He praised new agreements with Asian, Middle Eastern, and Latin American nations, labeling them “reliable, responsible partners.”
