[EUROPE] Russian President Vladimir Putin said in a state television broadcast on Sunday that there has been no need to deploy nuclear weapons in the war in Ukraine, and he hopes such a scenario will never arise.
Speaking in a documentary produced by Russian state television to mark his 25 years in power, Putin asserted that Russia possesses both the strength and the means to bring the conflict to what he described as a “logical conclusion.” Putin said in response to a question from Kremlin correspondent Pavel Zarubin about Ukrainian attacks on Russian territory.
Concerns over nuclear escalation have been central to U.S. policy considerations since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began in early 2022. Former CIA Director William Burns has noted that in late 2022, the U.S. assessed a real risk that Moscow might use tactical nuclear weapons.
Amid those fears, Washington privately warned Putin of the grave consequences of such an action. At the same time, Chinese President Xi Jinping also reportedly urged Putin not to resort to nuclear weapons, adding international pressure to avoid escalation.
In November 2024, Putin signed an updated version of Russia’s nuclear doctrine, broadening the scenarios in which Moscow could resort to its nuclear arsenal—the largest in the world. The revised doctrine allows for nuclear weapon use in response to conventional attacks if backed by a nuclear power, effectively lowering the threshold for deployment.
Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts to end the conflict continue. U.S. President Donald Trump has stated his desire to broker a diplomatic resolution. However, the Kremlin has so far rejected calls from Kyiv and Washington for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire.
Putin ordered the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Since then, Russian forces have seized and now control around 20% of Ukrainian territory, primarily in the south and east.
In the documentary, which presented a curated view of Putin's presidency, the Russian leader was filmed in his private Kremlin kitchen, offering chocolates and a traditional fermented milk drink to Zarubin.
Putin, a former KGB lieutenant colonel, rose to power when he was appointed acting president by Boris Yeltsin on December 31, 1999. He has since become the longest-serving Kremlin leader since Joseph Stalin, who ruled for nearly three decades until his death in 1953.
The recent changes to Russia’s nuclear policy have drawn significant attention from global security analysts. The expanded conditions under which nuclear weapons could be used have fueled international concern about the potential for escalation. Still, Putin’s latest remarks point to a restrained posture, emphasizing that Russia aims to resolve the conflict without resorting to nuclear force.
Despite diplomatic overtures, deep mistrust remains. While U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff has suggested Putin may be open to a lasting peace agreement, Ukraine remains wary of Russia’s intentions—particularly given the ongoing military operations and Moscow’s dismissal of ceasefire proposals.
The war has inflicted devastating humanitarian and economic consequences. Thousands have been killed or displaced, while Russia faces mounting economic pressure from sweeping Western sanctions. Calls for a peaceful resolution persist from the international community, but with both sides entrenched, the prospects for a negotiated settlement remain uncertain.
Putin’s long tenure and assertive leadership style continue to shape Russia’s domestic and foreign policy. His emphasis on national strength and sovereignty has underpinned Moscow’s approach to Ukraine, complicating efforts to de-escalate one of Europe’s most serious conflicts in decades.
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