V. "Guardian" heeds Russian President Vladimir Putin's warnings that he is considering the use of nuclear weapons. This is the most serious statement of the Russian leader so far in relation to the ideas of Ukraine to be allowed to strike with long-range missiles deep into the territory of Russia, notes the British publication, quoted by BTA.
Vladimir Putin escalated his nuclear rhetoric, telling senior Russian officials that Russia would consider using nuclear weapons if attacked by any country with conventional weapons. Putin made this statement yesterday at a meeting of the Security Council of Russia, where he announced changes in Russia's nuclear doctrine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been demanding for months that Ukraine be given permission to use British-made Storm Shadow missiles. and the US-made ATAKMS missiles to hit targets inside Russia.
"Guardian" draws attention to Vladimir Putin's words that Russia would consider using nuclear weapons if it received "reliable information" that a massive attack by missiles, aircraft or drones had been launched against it. The British publication also dwells on the Russian president's warning that any nuclear power that supports another country's attack on Russia will be considered a participant in the aggression. "Guardian" described Putin's words as a thinly veiled threat against the West, whose leaders are considering whether to allow Ukraine to use long-range weapons.
"Guardian" it also dwells on Putin's statement that the adjustments to Russia's nuclear doctrine are carefully thought out and correspond to the modern military threats Russia faces. The British newspaper draws attention to the reaction in connection with the corrections in the Russian nuclear doctrine of Andriy Yermak, the chief of office of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, according to whom "Russia no longer has any other tools with which to intimidate the world except nuclear blackmail".
"Guardian" recalls that several influential "hawks" on foreign policy issues have long urged Putin to take a more assertive stance toward the West, foreseeing more instances in which Moscow could resort to its nuclear arsenal.
Russia's current nuclear doctrine was approved by a six-page long decree of President Putin in June 2020, the British publication notes. In the early days after Russian forces invaded Ukraine, Putin often spoke of Russia's nuclear arsenal, which is the largest in the world, and stressed that he would use all means to defend Russia.
Later, the Guardian notes, he softened his rhetoric, but his aides recently issued warnings to NATO countries that they risk provoking a nuclear war if they give Ukraine the green light to use long-range weapons. Earlier this month, Putin warned that the West would enter into a direct confrontation with Russia if it gave such permission to Ukraine, and that Russia would be forced to take appropriate measures, recalls the "Guardian".