In a recent television interview, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed a desire that Russia wouldn’t have to make Ukraine a core issue, stating “I hope” during the discussion.
Although Kremlin officials downplayed the likelihood of using nuclear weapons in Ukraine, they didn’t completely dismiss the idea, especially when questioned about possible strikes on Russian territory.
“They wanted to provoke us and make a mistake,” Putin remarked, as translated. “We don’t need to use those weapons… and I hope we won’t have to.
“We possess sufficient power and resources to resolve what began in 2022 in a way that meets Russia’s needs.”
Putin has made unexpected comments about Russia’s nuclear arsenal throughout the ongoing conflict, which began after Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Following the invasion, he put military nuclear forces on high alert. Last year, he officially lowered the criteria for deploying nuclear weapons after Ukraine’s attack on the city of Kursk in Western Russia.
This shift allowed Russia to target its territories and consider using nuclear weapons against any countries backing Ukraine.
In response to Putin’s remarks regarding nuclear weapons, Ukrainian Ambassador Oksana Markarova urged the international community to take his threats seriously. “At this stage, how you interpret his words doesn’t matter,” she told CBS News. “We must believe and understand what he says. He poses a threat not only to Ukraine, but to anyone who values peace.”
Former President Trump is attempting to mediate a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia. In February, he had a heated discussion with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, where he criticized his approach, likening it to gambling.
Trump has recently shown signs of skepticism regarding his ability to broker peace. “Maybe that’s not possible,” he told NBC’s “Meet the Press.”
He mentioned the intense animosity between Putin and Zelensky, suggesting some of this hatred even extends down to soldiers and generals.
Initially, Russia dismissed Trump’s proposal for a complete ceasefire, instead suggesting a limited pause, particularly concerning attacks on energy infrastructure.
However, as Russia escalated attacks on Ukrainian civilians, Trump expressed frustration. Russia has since offered a temporary ceasefire from May 8 to May 10 to mark the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany.
Last week, the Trump administration approved a $50 million military aid package for Ukraine, with both sides announcing a new agreement on mineral rights.
Russia, which annexed Crimea in 2014, continues to strive for greater control over four regions in Ukraine: Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia.
So far, Moscow lacks full territorial control over any of these areas.
Putin has stated that reconciliation with Ukraine is “inevitable.”
