Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has dismissed Russian President Vladimir Putin's recent nuclear threats, asserting that Putin is "afraid to use nuclear weapons" because he values his own life and control over others. Zelensky's remarks come in response to Putin's announcement on September 25 regarding changes to Russia's nuclear doctrine, potentially expanding the scenarios in which nuclear weapons could be deployed.
In an interview with Fox News, Zelensky stated, "Nobody knows what's in his [Putin's] head really. He could use nuclear [weapons] on any country at any time. Or not. I'm not sure that he will. I am sharing with you what I think. But I am not Putin, God bless. I cannot know exactly."
The Ukrainian leader further elaborated on his perspective, saying, "He loves his life and his way of life and how he is managing the life of others. I can tell-he has to be afraid to use nuclear weapons." Zelensky emphasized that a rational person would not initiate the kind of aggression Russia has displayed against Ukraine. "Because he is not always adequate; any adequate person cannot just come to Ukraine and do what he did," he added.
Putin's recent statements have raised international concern. During a meeting of Russia's Security Council on nuclear deterrence, he proposed considering aggression against Russia by any non-nuclear state, supported by a nuclear state, as a joint attack warranting a nuclear response. While he did not specify any countries, this move is widely interpreted as a warning to Ukraine and its Western allies.
The Kremlin has repeatedly invoked the threat of nuclear warfare since the onset of its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov recently cautioned the United States to prepare Europe for a "suicide venture" due to the "pointlessness and danger of the very idea to fight to victory with a nuclear power like Russia."
International reactions to Putin's nuclear posturing have been swift and condemning. European Union spokesperson Peter Stano criticized the Russian president's remarks as a continuation of "very irresponsible and unacceptable behavior," accusing Putin of "gambling with his nuclear arms." Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský stated that the Kremlin's adjustments to its nuclear doctrine aim to intimidate Ukraine's allies, urging them not to be deterred.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken also weighed in, labeling Putin's actions as "absolutely irresponsible." Blinken's sentiment echoes the broader international community's frustration with Russia's escalated rhetoric amid the ongoing conflict.
Ukraine has been advocating for the United States and the United Kingdom to lift restrictions on the use of American ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile Systems) and British Storm Shadow missiles against targets within Russian territory. Kyiv argues that these long-range weapons are essential for striking air bases from which Russia launches glide bombs into Ukraine, often from deep within Russian borders.
In a recent interview with The Times, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg addressed concerns over the potential escalation such actions might provoke. "These are decisions for individual allies to make," he said. "It's wrong to say that NATO allies would be a party to the conflict if they allow the weapons to be used against legitimate targets on Russian territory." Stoltenberg pointed out that countries like North Korea and Iran are providing significant military support to Russia without becoming direct parties to the conflict.
Zelensky's skepticism about Putin's willingness to deploy nuclear weapons underscores a complex psychological dimension to the conflict. "He has to be afraid to use nuclear weapons," Zelensky reiterated, suggesting that Putin's self-preservation instincts might prevent him from crossing that line.
