Putin warns of extreme response to Ukraine's possible nuclear plans
At Kazakhstan meeting Putin addressed reports about potential US nuclear transfer to Ukraine. Russian leader stated his country would use every weapon if Ukraine gets nuclear capabilities
In a high-stakes press-conference at Astana Vladimir Putin made strong statements about Ukraines potential nuclear future. The Russian leader responded to last weeks New York Times article which suggested Joe Biden might give nuclear weapons to Ukraine before his term ends
We will use all‚ I want to emphasize this precisely all means of destruction available to Russia. Everything: we will not allow it. Weʼll be watching their every move
The russian president mentioned that any official weapons transfer would break non-proliferation rules; though he thinks Ukraine cant make nuclear weapons on its own. However he pointed out the possibility of a dirty-bomb creation (which combines regular explosives with radioactive materials)
Back in the early-90s Ukraine had nuclear weapons from the USSR but gave them up. The Budapest deal from about 30 years ago included security promises from Russia US and Britain. Now Volodymyr Zelenskiy often says this choice left his country un-protected which is why it needs to join NATO — something that makes Moscow really un-happy
