White House doesn't think Russia ready to use nuclear weapons despite Putin's claims
The White House has said it has seen no sign that Russia is preparing to use nuclear weapons despite claims made by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Source: Reuters, citing an anonymous US official
Details: A US official said on condition of anonymity that Putin appeared to be restating Russia’s nuclear doctrine that nuclear weapons will be used if Russia’s sovereignty is threatened.
"We have not seen any reason to adjust our own nuclear posture, nor any indications that Russia is preparing to use a nuclear weapon in Ukraine," the official said.
Adrienne Watson, spokesperson for the White House National Security Council, said in a statement that "Russia's nuclear rhetoric has been reckless and irresponsible throughout this conflict".
"It is Russia that brutally invaded Ukraine without provocation or justification, and we will continue to support Ukraine as they defend their people and their sovereign territory from Russian aggression," Watson said.
Background:
- Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned the West that Russia is prepared for a nuclear war and that should the US send troops to Ukraine, it would be regarded as a considerable escalation of the war.
- On 10 March, the New York Times noted that the United States was preparing a "non-nuclear" response in late 2022 if Russia used nuclear weapons against Ukraine. The day before, CNN reported that at the end of 2022, the United States had started "preparing rigorously" for the possibility that Russia could launch a nuclear strike against Ukraine.
- On 29 February, Putin addressed Russia’s Federal Assembly, speaking about, among other things, the "full readiness" of nuclear forces and warning of the consequences if NATO were to deploy troops to Ukraine.
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