Putin said Russia’s nuclear doctrine allows such weapons to be used in response to threats.
Saint Petersburg:
President Vladimir Putin, asked about the risks of a nuclear war in Ukraine, warned the West on Wednesday that Russia could use all available means to defend itself if its sovereignty or territorial integrity were threatened.
Putin said the West had repeatedly accused Russia of using nuclear weapons, but said this was wrong and highlighted that it was the United States that used nuclear weapons against Japan in World War II.
Putin, speaking to senior editors at international news agencies in St. Petersburg, said Russia’s nuclear doctrine allows such weapons to be used in response to a range of threats.
“For some reason, the West believes that Russia will never use it,” Putin said. “We have a nuclear doctrine, look what it says. If someone’s actions threaten our sovereignty and territorial integrity, we consider it possible to use all the means at our disposal. This should not be taken lightly, superficially.”
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