Russia could use nuclear weapons if its sovereignty or territory was under threat, Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday (June 5)cautioned the West that Russia could use all available means to defend itself if its sovereignty or territorial integrity were threatened.

 

When asked about the risks of nuclear war over Ukraine, Putin said that the West had repeatedly accused Russia of nuclear sabre rattling but said this was wrong, and pointed out that it was the United States which had used nuclear weapons against Japan in World War Two.

 

Speaking to senior editors of international news agencies in St Petersburg, he said that Russia's nuclear doctrine permits such weapons to be used in response to a number of threats, and added that Russia has no plans to attack NATO member states.