President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia took a softer stance on the possibility of nuclear war in a recent interview, released just days before the Russian presidential election. In the interview, Mr. Putin emphasized the importance of stability and security, reassuring the Russian electorate that there would not be a nuclear war.
With polls set to open this weekend for the presidential election, Mr. Putin’s comments were seen as an attempt to bolster his image as a guarantor of stability. Despite facing criticism for his handling of the conflict in Ukraine, Mr. Putin remains a strong favorite to win a fifth term in office.
In the interview, Mr. Putin denied considering the use of weapons of mass destruction in Ukraine, as alleged by American intelligence officials. He also addressed concerns about the prospect of nuclear conflict, stating that Russia was prepared to use nuclear weapons if its sovereignty and independence were threatened.
While critics have questioned Mr. Putin’s handling of the situation in Ukraine, he has consistently used Russia’s nuclear arsenal as a deterrent against Western intervention. In the interview, Mr. Putin emphasized the importance of Ukraine to Russia and portrayed President Biden as seeking to avoid direct conflict.
Despite tensions with the West, Mr. Putin expressed a willingness to engage in serious negotiations to secure Russia’s interests. He reiterated his goal of reaching a deal with the United States that would provide security guarantees for the Russian Federation.
Overall, Mr. Putin’s interview aimed to address the fears of the Russian public while maintaining pressure on the West. As the presidential election approaches, Mr. Putin’s message of stability and security will likely resonate with voters as they head to the polls.
