Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a press conference following the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) summit in Astana, Kazakhstan, November 28, 2024. Sputnik/Ramil Sitdikov/Kremlin via REUTERS
Putin Warns of Full Military Response if Ukraine Gains Nuclear Weapons
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on Thursday that Russia would use all available military means against Ukraine if Kyiv were to acquire nuclear weapons. Speaking during a press conference in Astana, Kazakhstan, Putin underscored the seriousness of such a scenario, stating that “everything” would be on the table to prevent this outcome.
Concerns Over Alleged Western Intentions
Putin’s remarks follow a report by The New York Times, which cited unnamed Western officials suggesting U.S. President Joe Biden might consider providing nuclear weapons to Ukraine before the end of his term. Putin criticized this possibility, warning of its implications for global security and the breach of international agreements on nuclear non-proliferation.
“If officially someone were to transfer something, then that would mean a violation of all the non-proliferation commitments they have made,” Putin said.
Russia’s Focus on Monitoring Ukraine
Putin emphasized that Moscow would be vigilant in observing Ukraine’s actions. “If the country which we are essentially at war with now becomes a nuclear power, what do we do? In this case, we will use all… means of destruction available to Russia,” he stated.
Doubts About Ukraine’s Nuclear Capabilities
While highlighting the risk of nuclear proliferation, Putin downplayed Ukraine’s ability to develop nuclear weapons. He acknowledged it was nearly impossible for Kyiv to build such weapons independently but suggested the possibility of a “dirty bomb.” This type of device, which uses conventional explosives to disperse radioactive material, would still warrant a severe response from Russia, he warned.
Russia has repeatedly accused Ukraine of planning to use a dirty bomb, though it has not provided evidence to support these claims.
Historical Context: Ukraine and Nuclear Disarmament
Ukraine inherited a significant arsenal of nuclear weapons following the Soviet Union’s collapse in 1991. However, it surrendered them under the 1994 Budapest Memorandum, agreeing to non-proliferation in exchange for security assurances from Russia, the United States, and Britain.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has since expressed regret over this decision, arguing it left Ukraine vulnerable. He has cited this as a key reason for pushing NATO membership, a move Russia strongly opposes.
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