Putin Hints at Nuclear Option While Discussing Ukraine Conflict

Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that the need to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine has not arisen yet, but emphasized that Russia has the strength and means to bring the conflict to a "logical conclusion" with the outcome Russia requires.

In a recent interview with Russian state television, Putin discussed the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, saying that Russia "sincerely sought to solve the problem of Donbas by peaceful means." However, he claimed that a full-scale invasion in 2014 was not feasible due to Russia's unreadiness for a “frontal confrontation with the entire collective West.”

Putin signed a revised nuclear doctrine in November 2024, which lowers the threshold for using nuclear weapons. The doctrine allows for nuclear use in response to a conventional attack backed by a nuclear power.

Meanwhile, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed skepticism over Russia's proposal for a 72-hour ceasefire to mark Victory Day. Zelenskyy called for a more substantial 30-day ceasefire, as initially proposed by the US. Russia has ignored the US proposal for 54 days.

Zelenskyy emphasized that a ceasefire is possible if Moscow is serious about ending the war. He criticized Putin's intentions, saying, “Putin is very eager to show off his tanks at the (Victory Day) parade, but he should think about ending his war.”

Despite ceasefire talks, Russian attacks on Ukraine continue. A drone attack on Kyiv wounded 11 people, including two children. Residents described the attack, with one saying, "I was covered with broken glass." Two people were killed by Russian guided bombs in separate regions.

Zelenskyy thanked Czech President Petr Pavel for his country's military support and discussed plans for an F-16 training school. Ukraine hopes to receive 1.8 million artillery shells in 2025 as part of a Czech-led initiative.