Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that there has been no necessity to deploy nuclear weapons in Ukraine and expressed hope that such a need will not arise, reports Breaking News.
Speaking in a preview of an interview with Russian state television, shared on Telegram, Mr Putin asserted that Russia possesses both the power and the resources to bring the Ukraine conflict to a “logical conclusion”.
In response to a question regarding Ukrainian attacks on Russian territory, he said: “There has been no need to use those (nuclear) weapons … and I hope they will not be required,” reports Breaking News.
“We have enough strength and means to bring what was started in 2022 to a logical conclusion with the outcome Russia requires,” he said, reports Breaking News.
Last November, Mr Putin approved an updated version of Russia’s nuclear policy, outlining the scenarios in which nuclear weapons could be used.
The revised doctrine includes the possibility of using nuclear weapons in retaliation to a conventional strike supported by a nuclear-armed state.
Russia and Ukraine remain at odds over proposed terms for a ceasefire, reports Breaking News.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on Friday — with the comments released on Saturday — that Russia’s plan for a 72-hour ceasefire next week in observance of Victory Day is an effort to create a “soft atmosphere” before its annual celebrations.
Mr Zelensky instead reiterated his support for a US-backed proposal for a 30-day cessation of fighting. He noted that the ceasefire could commence at any moment as a meaningful step toward peace, reports Breaking News.
On Monday, Mr Putin announced the 72-hour ceasefire unilaterally, while the US continues efforts to secure a resolution to the three-year conflict.
According to the Kremlin, the ceasefire — initiated for “humanitarian grounds” — will span from May 8 through May 10, coinciding with Russia’s Victory Day commemorations of its World War II triumph over Nazi Germany, reports Breaking News.
Elsewhere, Ukraine’s State Emergency Service reported that 11 individuals were injured in a Russian drone strike on Kyiv overnight, including two children.
Ukraine’s air force stated that Russia deployed 165 drones and decoys during the night. Of those, 69 were intercepted, while 80 likely malfunctioned due to electronic jamming. Russia also fired two ballistic missiles.
Meanwhile, Russia’s Defence Ministry reported that its air defence systems shot down 13 Ukrainian drones overnight, reports Breaking News.
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