EU’s representative says Moscow’s nuclear threats won’t stop bloc from supporting Ukraine
EU spokesperson Peter Stano emphasized that the updated Russian nuclear doctrine will not sway Europe’s resolve in standing with Ukraine against Moscow's aggression.
New threats from Russian ruler Vladimir Putin regarding the use of nuclear weapons against non-nuclear states are yet another sign of his reckless and irresponsible behavior, said EU Spokesperson Peter Stano, according to UkrInform.
On 25 September, Putin announced updates to Russia’s nuclear doctrine, introducing “clarifications” on the conditions under which Russia might use nuclear weapons.
According to these updates, Russia will now consider using nuclear weapons in two specific scenarios: first, in the case of “aggression against Russia by a non-nuclear state with the support or participation of a nuclear state,” and second, upon “receiving reliable information about the massive launch of air and space weapons” against Russia, with these weapons crossing Russian borders.
Putin specified that the “air and space weapons” that could justify Russia’s use of nuclear weapons include strategic and tactical aviation, cruise missiles, drones, and hypersonic missiles.
Meanwhile, Stano assured that the updated Russian nuclear doctrine would not change the EU’s position on its support for Ukraine in its struggle against Russian aggression.
“This is not the first time Putin has banked on his nuclear arsenal. It is merely a continuation of very irresponsible and unacceptable behavior from him, showing the world his true face, especially during the high-level week of the UN General Assembly. He has not stopped playing nuclear games again and again. We absolutely strongly condemn these threats. The position of the EU remains unchanged,” emphasized Stano.
He noted that the bloc is striving to convey this stance to international partners, drawing their attention to how irresponsible is the behavior of a permanent member of the UN Security Council, whose main task and duty is to maintain peace in the world.
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