Russian President Vladimir Putin says there can be no winners in a nuclear war and it should never start.
Key points:
- Putin had ordered Russia’s nuclear forces to be on high alert at the start of his war against Ukraine
- Russia test-launched its new intercontinental ballistic missile in April
- Biden said the United States is ready to outline a new nuclear weapons deal with Russia
The embattled leader made the comment in a letter to participants of the Tenth Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) being held in New York.
“We start from the fact that there can be no winners in a nuclear war and that it should never be unleashed,” he said.
“We stand for equal and indivisible security for all members of the global community.”
His words at the NPT forum appeared to strike a reassuring note and portray Russia as a responsible nuclear power.
They contrasted with previous statements by Putin and other Russian politicians that have been interpreted in the West as implied nuclear threats.
Officials from around the world are gathering in New York for the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference. (Reuters: David ‘Dee’ Delgado)
In a speech on February 24, when he launched Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Putin pointedly referred to Russia’s nuclear arsenal and warned outside powers that any attempt to interfere “would lead you to consequences that you never you have not found in your history.”
Days later, he ordered Russia’s nuclear forces to be on high alert.
The war has raised geopolitical tensions to levels not seen since the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, with politicians from both Russia and the United States speaking publicly of the risk of World War III.
CIA Director William Burns said in April that given Russia’s setbacks in Ukraine, “none of us can take lightly the threat posed by the potential recourse to tactical nuclear weapons or nuclear weapons low performance”.
CIA Director William Burns warned of the possible resort to tactical nuclear weapons because of Russian mishaps in Ukraine. (Pool via Reuters: Graeme Jennings)
Russia, whose military doctrine allows for the use of nuclear weapons in the event of an existential threat to the Russian state, has accused the West of waging a “proxy war” against it by arming Ukraine and imposing sanctions on Moscow.
In April, Russia conducted a first test launch of its new Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile, capable of nuclear strikes against the United States, and said it planned to deploy the weapons in the fall.
Biden proposes new nuclear weapons deal with Russia
The United States is ready to outline a new nuclear arms deal with Russia and asked Moscow to demonstrate its ability to negotiate in good faith, US President Joe Biden said ahead of the NPT conference.
Arms control has historically been an area where progress has been possible despite broader disagreements.
Moscow and Washington in February extended their New START treaty, which limited the number of strategic nuclear warheads they can deploy and limits the land-based and submarine-launched missiles and bombers to deliver them, for five years.
Russia has test-fired intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of nuclear strikes against the US. (AP: Press Service/Archive of the Ministry of Defense of Russia)
“Today, my administration stands ready to quickly negotiate a new arms control framework to replace New START when it expires in 2026,” Biden said in a statement.
“But negotiation requires a partner willing to operate in good faith.
“And Russia’s brutal and unprovoked aggression in Ukraine has shattered the peace in Europe and constitutes an attack on the fundamental principles of the international order.
“Russia should demonstrate that it is ready to resume work on nuclear arms control with the United States.”
Asked about the statement, a Russian Foreign Ministry source questioned the seriousness of Washington’s intentions, telling Reuters: “Is this a serious statement or a hacking attack on the White House website?
“If it’s still serious, who exactly do they intend to discuss it with?”
‘Nuclear shield’ in Ukraine
The US secretary of state accused Russia of using Ukraine’s largest nuclear power plant as a “nuclear shield” and condemned Russia’s actions as “the height of irresponsibility”.
Russia was previously accused of firing shells dangerously close to the Zaporizhzhia plant in March during its takeover in the first weeks of the invasion.
Now, Washington is “deeply concerned” that Moscow is using the plant as a military base from which to launch attacks against surrounding Ukrainian forces.
“Of course, the Ukrainians cannot shoot lest there be a terrible accident with the nuclear power plant,” US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told reporters after nuclear non-proliferation talks at the United Nations United in New York.
Ukrainian officials have previously accused Moscow of basing troops and storing military equipment on the grounds of Europe’s largest nuclear power plant.
The Russian mission to the United Nations in New York did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Secretary Blinken’s remarks.
Reuters