Putin warns West about Ukraine’s weapons and nuclear arsenal at press conference | Vladimir Putin News

The President of Russia reiterated that attacking NATO countries was a “crazy” idea, but warned against interference from Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that his country would not rule out the use of nuclear weapons if its sovereignty or territory were threatened.

On Wednesday, Putin met in person with leaders of international news agencies, including Reuters and the Associated Press, for the first time since Russia launched the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

He answered questions ranging from the threat of nuclear war to possible repercussions for countries that support Ukraine’s efforts to launch attacks on Russian territory.

When asked about the possibility of using Russia’s nuclear arsenal, Putin said it was not out of the question.

“For some reason, the West believes that Russia will never use it,” Putin responded, pointing to the country’s 2020 nuclear doctrine.

It authorizes the Russian government to consider nuclear options if a weapon of mass destruction is used against the country or if “the very existence of the state is placed under threat.”

“We have a nuclear doctrine. See what it says. If someone’s actions threaten our sovereignty and territorial integrity, we consider it possible to use all means at our disposal. This should not be taken lightly, superficially.”

Attack on NATO ‘trash’

Putin also took the opportunity once again to allay fears that Russia could attack North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) countries.

“You shouldn’t make Russia the enemy. You’re just hurting yourself with this, you know? Putin said at the press conference.

Article 5 of the treaty establishes that an attack against one country in the organization is considered an attack against all members.

Putin has repeatedly rejected the idea of ​​launching an attack on NATO, despite tensions with its member states.

But Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told CBS News earlier this year that Putin’s “aggression” could reach Europe, provoking a NATO response. And in April, Germany’s top military leader said that “an attack on NATO soil could be possible” within five to eight years.

Still, Putin reiterated his position on Wednesday. “They thought Russia wanted to attack NATO,” he said. “Have you gone completely crazy? This is as thick as this table. Who invented this? It’s complete nonsense, you know? Total rubbish.”

Putin issues warning about attacks in Russia

However, Putin also suggested the possibility of increased tensions – and even “asymmetric” military measures – if Western countries such as Germany and the United States supplied Ukraine with weapons used on Russian soil.

He explained that the use of certain weapons, including the use of advanced missile technology, would amount to participation in Russia’s war with Ukraine.

“This would mark your direct involvement in the war against the Russian Federation, and we reserve the right to act accordingly,” he said.

“If they consider it possible to deliver such weapons to the combat zone to launch attacks on our territory and create problems for us, why do we not have the right to supply weapons of the same type to some regions of the world where they can be used to launch attacks against facilities sensitivity of countries that do this to Russia?”

His comments came after Germany decided in January to supply Leopard 2A6 battle tanks to Ukraine. And last month, both Germany and the US agreed to allow Ukraine to use certain missiles to strike targets inside Russia.

The Associated Press reported Wednesday that Ukraine has indeed used U.S. weapons to attack inside Russia, although Washington restricts which weapons can be used.

Advanced weapons like the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) and other long-range missiles remain off limits.

Asked about the prospect of a wider range of Western missiles being approved for use by Ukraine in Russia, Putin was defiant: “We will improve our air defense systems and destroy them.”