A Kremlin spokesperson revealed that Russian President Vladimir Putin will use nuclear weapons if there is an existential threat against his nation.
Russia to use nuclear weapons in case of existential threat
On Tuesday, Dmitry Peskov, a Kremlin spokesperson stated that Putin will be using nuclear weapons. However, it is if he feels a threat against the very existence of Russia. In an interview with CNN, Peskov stated that this is meant to send a message. “President Putin intends to make the world listen to and understand our concerns. We’ve been trying to convey our concerns to the world. To Europe, to the United States — for a couple of decades, but no one would listen to us,” stated Peskov.
Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, President Putin ordered Russian nuclear forces to stay on high alert. He also stated that if any nation is interfering with the attack, they “should know that Russia’s response will be immediate. And will lead you to such consequences as you have never experienced in your history”. Hence, Peskov did not agree to rule out the use of nuclear arms. “We have a concept of domestic security, and, well, it’s public. You can read all the reasons for nuclear arms to be used. If it is an existential threat for our country, then it can be used,” stated the spokesperson.
More on the Russia-Ukraine situation:
Based on the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists, a statement from 2020 on Russia’s nuclear policy says that they will be using nuclear weapons in two situations. Firstly, “in response to the use of nuclear weapons or other unconventional arms against Moscow or its allies”. Additionally, it can also be in response to aggression with traditional arms when the very presence of the state is under threat.
Pentagon spokesperson John Kirby called Russia’s rhetoric on the potential use as a dangerous move. “It’s not the way a responsible nuclear power should act. We monitor this as best we can every day,” stated Kirby. Stressing that Pentagon officials “haven’t seen anything that would lead us to conclude that we need to change our strategic deterrent posture”. Currently, Russia is maintaining its position as the world’s largest holder of nuclear warheads.