Putin Calls Russian Nukes Deterrent Factor, Says War Risk Rising
- Russian president stops short of pledge not to use them first
- Moscow will defend itself, allies with all means if necessary
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President Vladimir Putin called Russia’s nuclear arsenal a “deterrent factor” in conflicts, stopping short of pledging not to be the first to use them.
Warning that the threat of nuclear war in the world is rising, Putin reiterated that Russia will defend itself and its allies “with all the means we have if necessary.” In televised comments Wednesday to a meeting of a Kremlin human rights council, he blamed the US and its allies for making nuclear threats.