Nuclear weapons would only be used if “Russia’s existence was threatened”, explained Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. After refusing to pay for gas deliveries in rubles, he announced possible further steps: “No payment, no gas”.
In the face of recurring speculation about Moscow’s possible use of nuclear weapons, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov vigorously opposed such thoughts. “Nobody in Russia is thinking about using nuclear weapons, or even the idea of using them,” Peskov told US broadcaster PBS on Monday. He announced possible new measures by Russia regarding payment for gas deliveries in rubles, which the EU has largely rejected. “No pay – no gas.”
Moscow assumes that all tasks of “special military operation”, as Russia calls the invasion of Ukraine, will be fulfilled. But whatever the outcome of that action, it will not be a reason to use nuclear weapons, Peskow said. He reiterated that Russia would only use its nuclear arsenal if there was a “threat to Russia’s existence”. Russia’s state existence and the events in Ukraine “have nothing to do with each other”.
“Everyone understands what Putin meant”
Concerns in the West about Moscow’s possible nuclear weapons plans increased when President Vladimir Putin ordered Russian nuclear forces to be on high alert at the start of Ukraine’s war of aggression.
Putin also warned that countries that intervened in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine will have to deal with consequences “different from those they have already experienced”. Peskow now said, “I think everyone understands what he meant by that.” When asked directly by the PBS journalist if the use of nuclear weapons was done, the Kremlin spokesman said, “No, I don’t think so.”
West is waging “economic war” against Russia
After the EU largely rejected payment for gas supplies in rubles, Peskov announced possible new measures. Moscow wants to wait for the EU’s response and then determine next steps. “But we definitely don’t intend to present ourselves as benefactors and deliver free gas to Western Europe,” Peskov said in the PBS interview, according to state news agency TASS.
The Russian president’s confidant accused the West of unleashing an all-out economic war against Russia. “Unfortunately, these circumstances are extremely hostile,” Peskov said of the sanctions. This brought them to the point of “total war”. “And we in Russia perceive this war in such a way that the countries of Western Europe, the US, Canada and Australia are waging a real war on trade, on the economy, they are confiscating our property, our money and blocking our finances. “. Peskov complained. “And now we must adapt to the new reality.”
Putin had ordered last week that natural gas could only be delivered to “hostile” states like Germany if payment was made in rubles. This has already been rejected by some heads of state and government with reference to breach of contract.
((APA/dpa/Reuters))