Putin rules out nuclear option as ceasefire proposal divides
In an interview with Russian public television, Putin was asked about the potential use of nuclear weapons in response to Ukrainian attacks in Russia. He emphasised that, so far, there has been no need for such action.
What do you need to know?
- Vladimir Putin stated in an interview with Russian public television that there has not yet been a need to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine.
- Russia announced a ceasefire from midnight on 7th May to midnight on 10th May.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky rejected the proposal for a three-day ceasefire, calling for a 30-day truce.
Will Russia use nuclear weapons in Ukraine?
Responding to the state television reporter's question about Ukrainian attacks on Russia, Putin said: "There is no need to use these nuclear weapons... And I hope there won't be a need to use them."
"Russia has the strength and means to bring the war against Ukraine to a logical conclusion," Putin stated in a fragment of the interview published on the Telegram channel. The full interview is set to air on Sunday evening.
What are the Kremlin's plans for May?
The Russian authorities announced on 28th April that they are declaring a ceasefire in the war with Ukraine from midnight on 7th May to midnight on 10th May "for humanitarian reasons."
These dates coincide with 9th May, when Russia will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in World War II.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky rejected the Kremlin's proposal for the ceasefire to last only three days and appealed for a 30-day truce, in line with the strategy proposed by the US authorities.
