Vladimir Putin has claimed he will not use nuclear weapons as the Russian Army has enough capabilities to “finish what we started.”
However, Putin did warn that he will use nuclear weapons as his final option.
Speaking to journalist Pavel Zarubin, Putin said on Russian state TV Ukraine “wanted to provoke” Russia.
Putin said, “They wanted to provoke us, wanted us to make mistakes.
“And there was no need to use the weapons that you mentioned. I hope that it won’t be necessary.”
Putin added, “We have enough capabilities and means to finish what we started in 2022 with the result that Russia needs.”
However, in March the Kremlin issued a warning to Paris that Moscow could use nuclear weapons on France.
This comes as the French President Emmanuel Macron has said Europe must prepare for war as it is looking likely the US is moving away from the continent.
Macron said that Russia’s aggression “knows no borders” and Vladimir Putin will not stop with Ukraine and the Russian leader is a direct threat to Europe and France.
In a televised address to the nation late Wednesday evening Macron said, “I want to believe the US will stay by our side.
“But we have to be ready if that isn’t the case.”
Macron said, “I’m speaking to you tonight because of the international situation and its consequences for Europe … I know you are legitimately worried faced with the historic events that are shaking the world order.
Moscow has said that Macron’s speech was “extremely confrontational” and the Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that Paris is intent on the war continuing in Ukraine.
Lavrov said, “If he [Macron] considers us a threat, convenes a meeting of the chiefs of general staff of European countries and Britain, says it is necessary to use nuclear weapons, prepares to use nuclear weapons against Russia, this is, of course, a threat.”
