Russia is currently in a state of combat readiness and is fully prepared for a nuclear war, according to President Vladimir Putin's recent remarks.
During an interview with state media, Putin, who initiated a full-scale invasion of Ukraine and is highly likely to secure victory in the March 15 to 17 presidential election, stated that Russia would be prepared to utilize nuclear weapons if its sovereignty was jeopardized.
Putin Affirms Russia's Full Military Preparedness
"From a military-technical perspective, we are fully prepared," Putin stated in an interview with Rossiya-1 television and news agency RIA when asked about the country's readiness for a nuclear conflict. Putin mentioned that the United States is aware that deploying American troops on Russian territory or to Ukraine would be considered as an intervention by Russia.
"In the United States, there are plenty of experts in Russian-American relations and strategic restraint," Putin stated.
He emphasized that the use of nuclear weapons was outlined in the Kremlin's nuclear doctrine, its policy detailing the situations in which Russia might use its weapons. In a wide-ranging interview, he mentioned that if the United States conducted nuclear tests, Russia might do the same.
Putin stated that Russia has never had to resort to using nuclear weapons in Ukraine, where the conflict has been ongoing since February 2022.
Plans to attack Europe are suggested in a letter that was leaked on November 30. The document looked to be rubber-stamped by Putin with his initials and the phrase "agreed" on December 12, 2023, only a few days after he declared his campaign for a fifth term in power.
It seems almost possible that Vladimir Putin will be re-elected this week, particularly considering that he has been controlling Russia with an iron fist for more than twenty years. Russian State Duma Chairman Vyacheslav Volodin said in the documents that the committees of the State Duma, which is the lower house of the Federal Assembly of Russia, would be prepared to begin working on draft legislation, according to The Sun.
Read Also: Colombia Picks New Attorney General Amid Turmoil for President Gustavo Petro's Administration
Russia's Proposed Laws
These draft laws would include expanding the level of censorship over the entirety of Russia, particularly on television and the internet. In addition, the letter criticizes the Western world's backing for Ukraine, stating that it is "delaying the quick completion" of Putin's invasion of Ukraine.
As part of an extensive strategy, Volodin offers strengthening the nationalisation of the economy by transferring ownership of all raw materials industries to the state. The Kremlin aims to address the challenge posed by opposition movements as Putin seeks to strengthen his leadership and leave a lasting impact.
Putin has consistently shown a lack of kindness for disagreement, leading to many of his opponents being imprisoned, exiled, or killed. Just recently, a prominent critic of Putin, Alexei Navalny, passed away while in custody on false accusations. The Kremlin attempted to depict Navalny and his supporters as people who break the law and are influenced by Western powers, working to create instability in Russia.
Russia's nuclear arsenal was commended by Putin for its ongoing progress, being the largest globally. He added that the need to improve the defense-industrial complex to boost the country's scientific, technological, and industrial capabilities.
The conflict in Ukraine has caused an emergency in Moscow's connection to Western countries, reminiscent of the tension during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. Putin has cautioned about the risks involved in a direct clash between Nato and Russia, SCMP reported.