nuclear war

President Vladimir Putin stated that Russia is technically prepared for nuclear war but sees no immediate need for nuclear weapons in Ukraine. He warned that U.S. troop deployment in Ukraine would be seen as a significant escalation. Putin expressed confidence in Russia’s military readiness for a nuclear confrontation but highlighted the lack of necessity for such measures in the current context. He also mentioned that Russia has annexed four regions of Ukraine, considering them fully part of Russia. The Biden administration has no plans to send troops to Ukraine but aims to support Ukrainian forces with a security aid bill. Putin’s nuclear rhetoric was described by a Ukrainian official as propaganda and intimidation, while the UN nuclear watchdog’s chief downplayed the likelihood of nuclear war. Putin reiterated that the use of nuclear weapons is outlined in Russia’s nuclear doctrine, which includes conditions such as a response to an attack with weapons of mass destruction or a conventional attack threatening Russia’s existence. Additionally, Putin offered talks on Ukraine and emphasized the need for written security guarantees in any settlement.