Putin Hopes Nuclear Weapons Will Not Be Required Amid Ongoing Ukraine Conflict

MOSCOW, Russia — Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that there has been no need to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine and expressed hope that such a scenario will remain unnecessary. His comments aired on Sunday during a state television film commemorating his 25 years in power.

In the documentary, Putin asserted that Russia possesses the strength and means to bring the ongoing conflict to a “logical conclusion.” Responding to a question about Ukrainian attacks on Russian territory, he remarked, “There has been no need to use those [nuclear] weapons … and I hope they will not be required.”

Putin’s remarks come amid ongoing fears of nuclear escalation since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. Former CIA Director William Burns previously indicated a real risk that Russia could resort to nuclear options against Ukraine. In November 2024, Putin signed a revised nuclear doctrine that allowed for the use of nuclear arms even in response to conventional attacks backed by other nuclear powers.

Putin also reflected on Russia’s earlier military actions in Ukraine, claiming a full-scale invasion in 2014 was not feasible due to a lack of readiness for confrontation with the West. He said, “The country was not ready for such a frontal confrontation with the entire collective West,” explaining that Russia initially sought peaceful resolutions to the conflict in Donbas.

Despite these claims, Ukraine remains skeptical of any real intention for peace. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the necessity of a robust ceasefire, pointing out that Russia has ignored calls for a full ceasefire for over 50 days. He noted that a truce is conditional and not genuine when violations occur.

Recently, a Russian drone attack on Kyiv injured 11 individuals, including two children. Valentyna Fesiuk, an elderly resident, described the chaos of the night: “I was just sleeping when the house shook.” Meanwhile, Viacheslav Khotab shared his frustration, saying that civilians are the ones suffering as peace negotiations stall.

In the documentary segment, Putin attempts to portray a semblance of control and readiness. He concluded by stating that reconciliation between Russia and Ukraine is inevitable, despite the ongoing conflict and differing ceasefire proposals.