Peskow: Only use nukes if your existence is threatened

According to Presidential Office spokesman Dmitry Peskov, Russia would only use nuclear weapons in case of a threat to its existence, not because of the war in Ukraine. “Of course, any outcome of the operation (in Ukraine) is no reason to use a nuclear weapon,” Peskov told PBS late on Monday. Peskov announced possible new measures by Russia on the widely rejected EU payment for gas supplies in rubles. “No pay – no gas.”

Moscow wants to wait for the EU’s response and then determine next steps. “But we definitely do not intend to present ourselves as benefactors and deliver free gas to Western Europe,” Peskov stressed in the interview, according to state agency TASS.

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s confidant has 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.