Vladimir Putin says Russia could use nuclear weapons if its sovereignty or territory is threatened | World News

President Vladimir Putin, asked about the risks of nuclear war against Ukraine, warned the West on Wednesday that Russia could use all available means to defend itself if its sovereignty or territorial integrity were threatened.

Putin said the West had repeatedly accused Russia of wielding its nuclear weapon, but said that was false and pointed out that it was the United States that used nuclear weapons against Japan during the Second World War. World War.

Putin, speaking to editors of international news agencies in St. Petersburg, said Russia's nuclear doctrine allows the use of such weapons in response to a number of threats.

“For some reason the West believes that Russia will never use it,” Putin said. “We have a nuclear doctrine, look what it says. If someone's actions threaten our sovereignty and territorial integrity, we consider it possible to use all means at our disposal. This should not be taken lightly, superficially.