Putin's Warning Again: Russia Ready for Nuclear War if Its Sovereignty is Threatened

Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia, stated that Moscow is prepared to use nuclear weapons if its sovereignty is threatened; this is another warning to the United States, as the deployment of Western forces for war in Ukraine is seen by Moscow as an escalation of conflict. He made this statement during a televised interview released on Wednesday, while also asserting that the two-year Russian invasion of Ukraine does not necessitate the deployment of nuclear weapons and he believes the world is not heading towards a nuclear confrontation. While he described U.S. President Joe Biden as an experienced politician who understands the risks associated with nuclear disputes, his remarks seem to reiterate that Moscow intends to protect its territorial gains in Ukraine. In the same televised interview, he made a clear reference to NATO allies supporting Ukraine, stating, 'Countries that say there are no red lines regarding Russia should know that Russia will also have no red lines regarding them.' Putin's renewed threat to use nuclear weapons comes at a time when Joe Biden and U.S. officials have repeatedly stated that the United States does not intend to send American troops to fight in Ukraine, and NATO currently has no such plans. Karine Jean-Pierre, the White House press secretary, told reporters on Wednesday, 'We have seen no reason to adjust our nuclear posture, and we have seen no indication that Russia is preparing to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine.' Adrienne Watson, spokesperson for the U.S. National Security Council, previously stated, 'Russia's nuclear rhetoric during this conflict has been reckless and irresponsible. It is Russia that brutally attacked Ukraine without provocation or justification. We will continue to support Ukraine as they defend their people and their independent territory against Russian aggression.' A senior White House official also noted, 'As we understand it, Mr. Putin reiterated Russia's nuclear doctrine, which states they will use nuclear weapons if their sovereignty is threatened, so this is not a new approach from them.' Meanwhile, on the same day, Mykhailo Podolyak, a senior official in the Ukrainian presidency, described Putin's nuclear warning as 'propaganda,' stating that this warning is 'designed to intimidate the West.' Podolyak said such statements indicate that Putin fears defeat in the war and 'understanding that things are not going well, continues to use classic nuclear rhetoric. With the hope of the old Soviet Union, be afraid and retreat!' Over the past two years since the beginning of the military invasion of Ukraine, the Russian president has threatened Western countries supporting Ukraine with nuclear weapons several times, and Western leaders have repeatedly criticized him for this rhetoric. Russia warns that the deployment of military forces from the West to Ukraine poses a risk of starting a nuclear war. Putin flew with a nuclear bomber; taunting the West amid tensions. Reaction to the leak of a conversation file among German officers; Berlin: Moscow seeks to create division among European countries. Russia claims to have deployed a 'new intercontinental ballistic missile' in southern Moscow. Zelensky: Russia has taken the 'Zaporizhzhia' nuclear power plant hostage.