Vladimir Putin reflected on his 25 years in power, discussing the ongoing war in Ukraine and how he envisions it ending.
Tensions between Russia and Ukraine escalated dramatically in 2022 when Putin’s Russia invaded its neighboring country.
Given Russia’s extensive nuclear arsenal, concerns have arisen over the potential for the conflict to escalate into a nuclear war.
In November last year, Putin signed a revamped version of Russia’s nuclear doctrine in which he explained the circumstances that would allow him to use the countries vast amount of nuclear weapons.
This lowered the bar, giving him that option in response to even a conventional attack backed by a nuclear power, further elevating fears the conflict could escalate.
In a new interview with Russian state television, the Russian leader gave his insights on whether he believes this will be a likely development.
Vladimir Putin discussed the possibility of using nuclear weapons against Ukraine (Contributor/Getty Images)
He said: “There has been no need to use those [nuclear] weapons … and I hope they will not be required.”
“We have enough strength and means to bring what was started in 2022 to a logical conclusion with the outcome Russia requires.”
Putin also addressed the annexing of Crimea back in 2014 and said the reason Russia didn’t launch a full scale invasion was because it was ‘practically unrealistic’.
He said: “The country was not ready for such a frontal confrontation with the entire collective West.”
He also stated that Russia “sincerely sought to resolve the Donbas issue through peaceful means.”
While Putin expressed confidence that the conflict would eventually end with Russia’s goals achieved, the timeline for such an outcome remains unclear.
In late April, US President Donald Trump took to Truth Social to voice concerns that Russia may not want to end the conflict, despite ongoing peace talks.
Trump remarked: “There’s no reason for Putin to be launching missiles into civilian areas, cities, and towns over the past few days.”
“It makes me think that maybe he doesn’t want to stop the war, he’s just tapping me along, and has to be dealt with differently, through ‘Banking’ or ‘Secondary Sanctions?’ Too many people are dying!!!”
Donald Trump has previously hit out at Putin over attacks on Ukraine while they try and sort a peace deal (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
Vice President JD Vance recently stated that he expects the conflict to continue for a while longer, as Russia and Ukraine have conflicting objectives.
Speaking to Fox News on May 1, Vance shared his thoughts on the progress made toward resolving the situation.
He said: “It’s going to be up to them [Ukraine and Russia] to come to an agreement and stop this brutal, brutal conflict. It’s not going anywhere. It’s not going to end anytime soon.
“Of course, they [the Ukrainians] are angry that they were invaded, but are we going to continue to lose thousands and thousands of soldiers over a few miles of territory this or that way? I hope both of them come to their senses.”
