Putin Warns NATO Against Further Involvement in Ukraine War and Highlights Russia’s Nuclear Weapons

Russian President Vladimir Putin warns NATO potential escalation in the Ukraine war if member countries continue to supply military weaponry to Kyiv.

Putin made these remarks at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, emphasizing the ongoing supply of heavy military equipment and the possibility of providing fighter jets to Ukraine.

While Ukraine is not a NATO member, some alliance countries have been providing tanks, armored vehicles, and other weapons to support Kyiv, eliciting threats of retaliation from Russia.

Notably, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States have contributed tanks such as the Leopard 2 and Challenger 2, as well as vehicles like the Bradley and Stryker, to Ukraine.

During his speech, Putin mentioned that Russia had destroyed tanks, including Leopards, on the front lines.

Putin warns NATO for further involvement in the conflict, stating that if foreign-based weaponry is used against Russia, appropriate measures will be taken.

You may also like: Supporting Ukraine – Ways to Help a Country in Need

Putin Warns NATO:Highlights Russia’s Nuclear Weapons

Addressing the issue of national security, Putin pointed out that Russia possesses a significant number of nuclear weapons, surpassing the stockpiles of NATO countries when Putin warns NATO.

With approximately 6,250 nuclear warheads, Russia holds the largest arsenal as of January 2021, while the United States possesses over 5,500 warheads. NATO members Britain and France have around 220 and 290 warheads, respectively.

Putin stated that nuclear weapons serve as a guarantee for Russia’s broader security and its existence as a state.

However, he emphasize that discussing nuclear weapons should be avoided to prevent lowering the threshold for their use.

Additionally, Putin mention that Russia’s larger nuclear arsenal compare to NATO countries should be recognize as an incentive for negotiation on arms reduction.

The New START Treaty and Russia’s Position

In February, Putin announced the suspension of Russia’s participation in the New START nuclear arms reduction treaty with the United States, endangering the last remaining agreement regulating the world’s largest nuclear arsenals.

The treaty sets limits on the number of deployed intercontinental-range nuclear weapons for both countries and was extend for five years in early 2021.

Under the treaty, the United States and Russia have the right to inspect each other’s weapons sites. The decision to suspend participation by Russia is consider reversible, according to Russia’s Foreign Ministry.

The topic of nuclear arms reduction remains an area of contention between Russia and NATO, with negotiations desired by the alliance.

As tensions persist, the situation in Ukraine remains precarious, and discussions surrounding nuclear weapons control and international security continue to be significant.