Russian President Vladimir Putin made it clear during a plenary session at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) on June 7 that Russia does not need nuclear weapons to achieve victory. He emphasized the strength of the Russian people and acknowledged that nuclear weapons are only used in special circumstances. However, he also left open the possibility of adjusting the doctrine of use depending on the world situation.
Putin’s remarks marked a significant shift in Russia’s stance on nuclear weapons, as he signaled that there will be no nuclear attack against Ukraine. He stated that Russia currently has control over additional territories in the region and expressed determination to win the conflict with a peace agreement. The Russian president also addressed concerns about negotiating with parties who deceive in their actions, highlighting the challenges of reaching agreements based on trust.
Furthermore, Putin warned of the risk of a global war, particularly as tensions continue to escalate in the region. The Kremlin has reiterated that Russia reserves the right to respond with nuclear weapons if its survival is threatened by an attack using weapons of mass destruction. In response to Western claims, Putin rejected accusations of “brandishing a nuclear sword,” pointing out that only one country has deployed nuclear weapons in war when they dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
As tensions continue to rise in Europe and beyond, Putin’s message serves as a reminder that global security remains at stake, and all parties must work towards finding peaceful solutions rather than resorting to violence or brinkmanship.
