Putin’s message to the West on nuclear war: “We are ready”
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that his country is prepared for nuclear warfare both technically and militarily. Putin also emphasized that if the United States sends troops to Ukraine, it would significantly escalate the conflict.
Speaking shortly before the elections, which are likely to extend his rule for another 6 years and scheduled for March 15-17, Putin stated that he doesn’t see the necessity for the use of nuclear weapons in Ukraine.
According to Reuters, quoting Rossiya-1 television and RIA news agency, Putin responded to the question of whether Russia is truly prepared for nuclear war by saying, “Of course, we are ready from a military-technical perspective.”
Putin stated, “I don’t think there will be a hastily arranged conflict, but we are ready for it,” regarding the possibility of nuclear warfare.
Highlighting that Russia’s nuclear triad is more modern than that of other nations, Putin said, “We possess such a triad, and actually, the Americans do too. Here, we have made much more progress. Ours is more modern in terms of all nuclear components. Overall, we are approximately equal in terms of carriers and warheads, but ours are more modern.”
Putin emphasized that experts are aware of this, saying, “However, this does not mean that we need to measure ourselves by the number of carriers and warheads, but we need to be aware of this. And again, I repeat, the experts, the military know this very well. Now they have taken it upon themselves to advance this modernization, this innovation, and they have plans for this. We know this too. They are developing all their components, we are doing the same. But this does not mean that they are ready to start a nuclear war tomorrow. But if they want to, what can we do? We are ready.”
Putin mentioned that there is an agreement banning nuclear weapons testing, which the U.S. has not ratified. Despite this, Putin stated that they adhere to agreements.
He also mentioned that there are circles in the U.S. considering nuclear testing, stating that such tests are unnecessary but if conducted, Russia would respond in kind.
Putin also stressed their technical readiness for such actions, stating, “These are not ordinary types of weapons, and these units are constantly ready for war. I want this to be known openly.”
Regarding attempts by the Ukrainian army to cross the Russian border, Putin said that foreign mercenaries are also participating in these attacks. Putin mentioned that a group of 300 people, including foreign mercenaries, attempted this sabotage action.
