Putin Warns of Nuclear Deployment Ahead of Russian Elections
In a stern warning ahead of Russia’s presidential elections, Vladimir Putin has declared that Moscow is prepared to deploy nuclear weapons if the existence of the Russian state is jeopardized, though he insisted “there has never been such a need.” The Russian president’s comments, made in an interview with state media, come as his full-scale invasion of Ukraine nears its first anniversary amid military setbacks.
Speaking to Rossiya 1 and RIA Novosti, Putin claimed that from a military standpoint, Russia is ready for a nuclear confrontation. He cautioned that if U.S. troops were sent to Ukraine, Russia would view them as interventionist forces. However, Putin expressed doubt that matters would escalate to such extremes with the U.S., stating, “Apart from [President] Biden, there are enough other experts in the sphere of Russian-American relations and strategic restraint.”
The Russian leader accused the U.S. of also developing its nuclear capabilities, though he clarified, “That doesn’t mean they are ready to launch a nuclear war tomorrow.” Putin maintained that Russia’s expansive nuclear stockpile exists as “a tool for achieving goals” in potential conflicts with the U.S. or NATO.
U.S. intelligence assessments have consistently raised alarms about Putin’s potential willingness to use nuclear weapons as Russia struggles to make decisive gains in Ukraine. The latest annual threat assessment warned that “Russia’s inability to achieve quick and decisive battlefield wins” increases nuclear risks.
According to the assessment, Russia is modernizing systems for delivering nuclear strikes to counter U.S. missile defenses. Reports also suggest the U.S. had “prepared rigorously” late last year for a scenario involving Russia using a tactical nuclear weapon in Ukraine.
Despite the nuclear saber-rattling, Putin claimed in the interview that the Russian economy and military remain robust, alleging the West underestimated Moscow. He expressed openness to negotiations on Ukraine but only “based on the realities that have developed…on the ground” rather than Western “desires.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has repeatedly rejected calls for territorial concessions, stating last year, “When you want to have a compromise or a dialogue with somebody, you cannot do it with a liar.”
As the conflict grinds on, Putin’s latest nuclear rhetoric injects fresh tensions into an already perilous war threatening to escalate further. While he denies any imminent use, his willingness to raise the nuclear specter underscores the high stakes as both sides refuse to back down.
