Russia's president reiterated that attacking NATO countries was a “crazy” idea but warned against interference from Ukraine.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that his country would not rule out the use of nuclear weapons if its sovereignty or territory were threatened.
On Wednesday, Putin met in person with leaders of international news agencies, including Reuters and The Associated Press, for the first time since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
He answered questions ranging from the threat of nuclear war to possible repercussions for countries that support Ukraine's efforts to launch attacks inside Russian territory.
When asked about the possibility of using Russia's nuclear arsenal, Putin said it was not out of the question.
“For some reason, the West believes that Russia will never use it,” Putin responded, pointing to the country's 2020 nuclear doctrine.
It authorizes the Russian government to consider nuclear options if a weapon of mass destruction is used against the country or if “the very existence of the state is threatened.”
“We have a nuclear doctrine. Look what he says. If someone's actions threaten our sovereignty and territorial integrity, we consider it possible to use all means at our disposal. This should not be taken lightly or superficially.”
Attack on NATO “trash”
Putin also once again took the opportunity to put to rest fears that Russia could attack countries in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
“Russia should not be made to appear as the enemy. You're just hurting yourself with this, you know? Putin said at the press conference.
Article 5 of the treaty states that an attack against one country of the organization is considered an attack against all members.
Putin has repeatedly rejected the idea of launching an attack on NATO, despite tensions with its member states.
But Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told CBS News earlier this year that Putin's “aggression” could reach Europe, prompting a response from NATO. And in April, Germany's top military leader said that “an attack on NATO soil could be possible” in five to eight years.
Still, Putin reiterated his stance on Wednesday. “They thought Russia wanted to attack NATO,” he said. “Have you gone completely crazy? It's as thick as this table. ¿Who came up with this? It's complete nonsense, you know? “Total rubbish.”
Putin warns of Russian attacks
However, Putin also hinted at the possibility of increased tensions – and even “asymmetric” military measures – if Western countries such as Germany and the United States were to supply Ukraine with weapons used on Russian soil.
He explained that the use of certain weapons, including the use of advanced missile technology, would be tantamount to participating in Russia's war with Ukraine.
“That would mark their direct participation in the war against the Russian Federation, and we reserve the right to act in the same way,” he said.
“If they consider it possible to bring such weapons into the combat zone to launch attacks on our territory and create problems for us, why don't we have the right to supply weapons of the same type to some regions of the world where they can?” Will it be used to launch attacks against sensitive facilities of countries that do so with Russia?
His comments came after Germany decided in January to supply Leopard 2A6 battle tanks to Ukraine. And last month, both Germany and the United States agreed to allow Ukraine to use certain missiles to hit targets inside Russia.
The Associated Press reported earlier Wednesday that Ukraine has indeed used American weapons to attack inside Russia, although Washington restricts which weapons can be used.
Advanced weapons like the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) and other long-range missiles remain off-limits.
Asked about the prospect of a wider range of Western missiles being approved for Ukraine's use in Russia, Putin was defiant: “We will improve our air defense systems and destroy them.”
