President Vladimir Putin stated on Friday that Russia does not require the use of nuclear weapons to secure a victory in Ukraine. This declaration marks the Kremlin’s most significant indication yet that the conflict in Europe, the deadliest since World War Two, will not escalate into a nuclear confrontation.
Putin has repeatedly mentioned that Russia might resort to nuclear weapons if necessary to defend itself.
During a plenary session at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum, moderator Sergei Karaganov, a prominent Russian analyst, asked Putin if Russia should wield a “nuclear pistol to the temple” of the West over Ukraine. Putin responded that he did not see the conditions for using nuclear weapons.
“The use is possible in an exceptional case—in the event of a threat to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country. I don’t think that such a case has come. There is no such need,” Putin said.
Putin mentioned that Russia’s nuclear doctrine, which outlines the conditions under which such weapons could be used, might be revised. He also indicated that Russia could test a nuclear weapon if necessary, though he currently sees no need for it.
This public discussion on nuclear strikes at Russia’s premier economic forum seems to be an attempt by the Kremlin to alleviate nuclear fears as the Ukraine war escalates, with both Russian and U.S. diplomats acknowledging the conflict has entered a highly dangerous phase. Russia and the United States possess nearly 90% of the world’s nuclear arsenal.
Putin expressed his hope that the world would never witness a nuclear confrontation, stating, “And we don’t have that need. Because our armed forces are not just gaining experience, they are increasing their effectiveness.” He added that Russian troops are advancing along the front line in Ukraine, having captured 880 square kilometers of territory and 47 villages and towns since the start of the year.
He also highlighted that Russia had boosted ammunition production more than twentyfold, outpacing Ukraine and the West in various measures.
Russia’s 2020 nuclear doctrine specifies that nuclear weapons could be used in response to an attack with nuclear or other weapons of mass destruction, or conventional weapons when the state’s very existence is threatened. Putin noted that this doctrine is a “living tool” subject to updates based on global developments.
