Martin Regley
05/05/2025 at 15:05
On Sunday, the chief of the Kremlin spoke of the possibility or not to use nuclear weapons on the Ukrainian front.
Since the start of the offensive in Ukraine, a fear has persisted: that Russia has used nuclear weapons. As early as 2022, former CIA director William Burns said there was a real risk. Three years later, Vladimir Putin, president of Russia, spoke of this possibility in a film broadcast Sunday on the occasion of his 25th anniversary in power, reports The Guardian.
Questioned by a journalist, he said that his country and his army had the means necessary to lead the fighting to their “logical conclusion”, clearly suggesting a reference to nuclear power, which nine countries in the world have. “It was not necessary to use nuclear weapons. And I hope there will be no need, ”he said.
The continuation after this advertisement
Russian nuclear arsenal, the most important in the world
In this film carefully scripted by state television, the head of the Kremlin is shown in a day rarely seen by the Russians. His role as a warlord is largely put forward. Regarding the use of the Russian atomic arsenal, the most imposing in the world, Vladimir Putin has limited this declaration.
The continuation after this advertisement
But this very real threat had already prompted the United States to react. Following William Burns’ words, Russia had been warned that a particularly violent response would be envisaged in the event of use of nuclear weapons. Beijing also joined this warning.
As surrounded by the other powers, Vladimir Putin had, two years later, in November 2024, signed a revised version of the doctrine of use of nuclear weapons. This new version lowers the employment threshold, by authorizing the use of nuclear weapons in response to a conventional attack supported by nuclear power. And even if he says he is open to dialogue with Ukraine for peace, Vladimir Putin continues to worry the highest international officials.
