Russian President Vladimir Putin praised Moscow’s nuclear weapons on Wednesday, March 13 (May 23) and warned that he is ready to use them in the event of a threat to Russia’s national sovereignty.
Throughout the two-year conflict in Ukraine, Putin has repeatedly referred to Russia’s nuclear power. Last month, he threatened Western countries with a “real” risk of nuclear disaster if they go to war in Ukraine.
This news of Putin is given just a few days before the elections in Russia, while it is expected that he will gain power as the president for six more years.
“Our nuclear triad is stronger than any other triad. Only we and the Americans actually have such a force, and we have made a lot of progress,” Putin said in an interview with state media.
In this interview published on Wednesday, Putin added: “If there is a question of harming our national sovereignty and independence, we are ready to use all kinds of weapons.”
The President of Russia strongly reacted to the statements of French President Emmanuel Macron who did not rule out the possibility of sending troops to Ukraine last month.
Referring to what the Kremlin calls mercenaries, Putin said, “The truth is that the soldiers of Western countries have been present in Ukraine for a long time.”
He added: “But if we talk about official military units of foreign countries, I am sure it will not change the situation on the battlefield.”
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Macron’s comments shocked other European leaders who opposed the idea of sending troops to Ukraine.
Putin’s comments were made a few hours after a wave of drone attacks targeted oil refineries in the country’s border areas for the second consecutive day.
As a result of an attack, a fire broke out in an oil refinery in the Ryazan region, 200 kilometers from Moscow, and several people were injured.
Ryazan governor Pavel Malkov wrote in a telegram: “The Ryazan oil factory was attacked by a drone.”
Since the invasion of Russia, this week has seen some of the biggest attacks on Russian soil.
Pro-Kiev militias, mainly Russian nationals, said this week they had crossed the Russian border and captured a village in Kursk.
Putin said that Ukraine has pushed its attacks on Russian soil to interfere in the upcoming presidential elections.
“It’s simple. All this is happening because of their failures on the front line. They didn’t achieve any of the goals they set for themselves last year,” Putin said.
Putin added: “I have no doubt that the main goal is, if not to disrupt the presidential elections in Russia, then at least to interfere with the normal process (in Russia).”
In recent months, Ukrainian forces have reported retreating from the frontline of the war with Russia due to lack of weapons and ammunition. Meanwhile, the US $60 billion aid bill to Ukraine remains stuck in debates in the US Congress.