The Russian leader also aims at former British prime minister Liz Truss, stating that he had to “emphasize some points” in reaction to her comments about being willing to authorize a nuclear strike.
Vladimir Putin stated, “We haven’t lost our minds” in response to concerns that he would use nuclear weapons in Ukraine, but he did not rule out the possibility of a first attack if threatened.
The Russian president portrayed the weaponry as a deterrence but reaffirmed that his nation would use “all available means” to defend its interests if “peaceful means” failed.
Since the beginning of the war, he has made a series of statements in which he has left the nuclear option on the table.
“We haven’t gone nuts. Mr. Putin stated in broadcast remarks to a member of the presidential Human Rights Council, “We fully get what nuclear weapons are.”
He stated, “We have them, and they are more advanced and cutting-edge than those of any other nuclear power.”
“We will not brandish these weapons like a razor running throughout the globe, but we will move naturally from their existence.
It is a deterrence factor, not a factor that provokes an escalation of the war.
The president refused to rule out a hypothetical first attack, arguing that it may prevent Russia from defending itself.
According to him, Russia had a “launch on warning” strategy, whereby it would unleash nuclear weapons in response to a nuclear or conventional strike that threatened its existence.
“If it doesn’t use it first under any conditions, it won’t use it second either, as the prospect of utilizing it in the event of a nuclear attack on our territory will be severely constrained,” the president stated.
Numerous Western nations have previously condemned Mr. Putin’s nuclear remarks as reckless.
However, he asserted on Wednesday that he was triggered by former British prime minister Liz Truss when she discussed her willingness to deploy nuclear weapons.
He appeared to be referencing statements made by Ms. Truss in August when she told a Tory campaign rally that she was “ready” to use WMDs if required.
Mr. Putin stated, “I had to emphasize some points in response.”
“Her remarks went virtually disregarded, but they instantly emphasized and used our sentiments to frighten the globe.”
His comments matched those he made in October when he suggested Ms. Truss was “a little off her rocker” after she raised worries about Russia’s nuclear capability at the United Nations.
Mr. Putin also discussed the condition of the Ukraine war, in which Russia has lost substantial ground over the past few months, and recognized it would likely be a “long process” – indicating that Russia has no immediate intentions to withdraw from the battle.
He also attempted to dispel rumors about a second mobilization next year, stating that there was no need for a second call-up.
The Russian president stated that around half of the 300,000 conscripted reservists had been transferred to the zone of what Moscow refers to as its “special military operation” in Ukraine.
Approximately 77,000 soldiers were in combat formations, with the remainder doing defensive duties, he claimed.
Russian opposition lawmakers and major pro-war Telegram channels are increasingly hearing rumors of the second wave in early 2019.
