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Topics: Vladimir Putin, Russia, News, World News
Gerrard Kaonga
Topics: Vladimir Putin, Russia, News, World News
Vladimir Putin reflected on his 25 years in power and touched on the ongoing Ukraine war and how it will come to a conclusion.
Tension between Russia and Ukraine reached boiling point back in 2022 when Vladimir Putin’s Russia invaded the neighboring country.
Due to Russia’s massive nuclear arsenal, many people have worried whether the conflict could turn nuclear.
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.
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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.
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 said Russia 'sincerely sought to solve the problem of Donbas by peaceful means'.
Despite Putin’s confidence the conflict will come to an end with Russia satisfied, it is not clear how long this will take.
Taking to Truth Social, US President Donald Trump said back in late April that he had concerns Russia did not want to end the conflict, despite peace talks being ongoing.
Trump commented: “There was no reason for Putin to be shooting missiles into civilian areas, cities and towns, over the last 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!!!"
Vice president JD Vance has also said recently that he expected the conflict to go on a bit while longer as Russia and Ukraine want different things.
Speaking to Fox News on May 1, Vance weighed in on the progress that has been made towards that goal.
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."