Moscow, Sep 26 (V7N)– Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday made a strong statement about the possible use of nuclear weapons, indicating that Russia could deploy such weapons if attacked by a country supported by a nuclear-armed state. This remark is widely seen as a veiled threat towards Ukraine, which receives substantial support from nuclear-armed Western countries, including the United States.

“If a non-nuclear country’s aggression against Russia is supported by a nuclear-armed country, it will be considered a joint attack against the Russian Federation,” Putin stated, as reported by British media. The Russian president also revealed that his government is contemplating changing the criteria under which nuclear weapons could be used. Specifically, he mentioned that Russia could deploy nuclear arms to defend itself from large-scale missile, drone, or air strikes on its territory.

This statement comes amidst the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, a non-nuclear country heavily supported by the West. The remarks sparked criticism from Ukrainian officials. Andrei Yermak, chief of staff to President Volodymyr Zelensky, claimed that Russia's threats of nuclear weapons demonstrate that it has no viable strategies left beyond intimidating the world with nuclear blackmail.

At the same time, China, a key Russian ally, has urged restraint. Chinese President Xi Jinping has reportedly advised Putin against escalating the situation by resorting to nuclear weapons.

Meanwhile, China conducted its own intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test on Wednesday morning. The missile, launched into the Pacific Ocean with a dummy warhead, marked China’s first ICBM test in international waters since the 1980s.

Putin's speech further outlined Russia's evolving nuclear doctrine, suggesting that conventional missile attacks on Moscow could also trigger a nuclear response. He reiterated the importance of nuclear weapons in safeguarding Russia’s sovereignty, stating that they ensure the highest security for the country and its people.

This development has raised further tensions amid the already volatile Ukraine-Russia conflict, with global leaders closely watching the situation.

END/RH/AJ