By The Associated Press
President Vladimir Putin stated on Wednesday that Russia is ready to use nuclear weapons if its sovereignty or independence is under threat, giving another clear warning to the West just days before an election in which he’s almost certain to secure another six-year term.
Since invading Ukraine in February 2022, the Russian leader has frequently mentioned his readiness to use nuclear weapons. The most recent warning was in his state-of-the-nation address last month, in which he cautioned the West that escalating its involvement in the fighting in Ukraine could lead to a nuclear war.
When asked in an interview with Russian state television if he has ever thought about using battlefield nuclear weapons in Ukraine, Putin replied that there has been no need for that. He also mentioned that he doesn’t believe that the world is on the path to a nuclear war, describing U.S. President Joe Biden as a seasoned politician who fully comprehends the potential dangers of escalation.
Nevertheless, the statements seemed to be a signal to the West that he is willing to use all methods to protect his gains in Ukraine.
Putin stated that in accordance with the country’s security doctrine, Moscow is prepared to use nuclear weapons in the event of a threat to “the existence of the Russian state, our sovereignty and independence.”
“All that is written in our strategy, we haven’t changed it,” he said.
He also stated, apparently referring to NATO allies that support Kyiv, that “the nations that say they have no red lines regarding Russia should realize that Russia won’t have any red lines regarding them either.”
Lithuania’s foreign minister, Gabrielius Landsbergis, recently expressed disappointment that the West too frequently limits itself with self-imposed “red lines” concerning Russia. He also welcomed a comment by French President Emmanuel Macron that the possibility of Western troops being sent to Ukraine cannot be disregarded.
Following recent battlefield advances, Putin argued that Kyiv and its Western allies will ultimately have to agree to a resolution to end the war on terms set by Russia.
“It shouldn’t be a reprieve for the enemy to rearm, but a serious discussion involving the assurance of security for the Russian Federation,” he said.
Putin stated that a recent surge in Ukrainian drone attacks deep inside Russia is part of efforts to disrupt the country’s three-day presidential election, which begins on Friday and in which he is expected to win by a large margin, given his nearly complete suppression of opposition and stringent control over Russia’s political system.
Russian authorities reported another significant attack by Ukrainian drones early Wednesday. The Defense Ministry stated that air defenses shot down 58 drones over six regions. One of the drones struck an oil refinery in the Ryazan region, injuring at least two people and causing a fire. Another was downed as it approached a refinery near St. Petersburg.
Meanwhile, Ukraine reported more Russian attacks early Wednesday.
A Russian attack killed two people and injured another five in the town of Myrnohrad in the eastern region of Donetsk, about 30 kilometers (about 20 miles) from the front line, according to Gov. Vadym Filashkin. Local rescuers were able to rescue a 13-year-old girl from the debris of an apartment building.
A five-floor building in the northern city of Sumy was hit by a drone sent from Russia overnight. 10 people were saved from the debris, including eight who were injured, according to the regional administration.
In President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s hometown, the death toll from a Russian missile attack the previous night increased to four, as reported by Gov. Serhii Lysak. He mentioned that 43 people were injured in Kryvyi Rih, including 12 children, the youngest being two and eleven months old.
“Every day our cities and villages endure similar attacks. Every day Ukraine loses people because of Russian evil,” Zelenskyy stated.
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Follow AP’s report on the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
