Russian President Vladimir Putin warns of nuclear attack amid Ukraine war

Putin said Russia’s nuclear doctrine allows the use of such weapons in response to threats.

St. Petersburg:

Asked about the risk of nuclear war over Ukraine, President Vladimir Putin warned the West on Wednesday that Russia could use all available means to defend itself if its sovereignty or territorial integrity was threatened.

Putin said the West has repeatedly accused Russia of brandishing nuclear weapons, but this is wrong. He said it was the US that used nuclear weapons against Japan in World War II.

Speaking to senior editors of international news agencies in St Petersburg, Putin said Russia’s nuclear doctrine allows the use of such weapons in response to a number of threats.

“For some reason, the West believes that Russia will never use it,” Putin said. “We have a nuclear doctrine, look what it says. If someone’s actions threaten our sovereignty and territorial integrity, we consider it possible to use all the means at our disposal. This should not be taken lightly or superficially.”

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