Russia denies reports of nuclear attack plans... "No intention to be involved"

(Photo by EPA, AP)

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo Yujin] Russia denied Western reports suggesting that it could carry out an actual nuclear attack, including moving its nuclear units to the Ukrainian border.

On the 4th (local time), according to TASS news agency and others, Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin spokesperson, said during a phone conference with reporters that "Western politicians and heads of state are using Western media to practice nuclear-related falsehoods," and added, "We have no intention of engaging in this."

Earlier, the British daily The Times reported that Russia was moving personnel and equipment of its nuclear weapons operation units toward the Ukrainian border.

Western media reported the possibility that Russian forces might use tactical nuclear weapons near the Ukrainian border or the Black Sea coast, or conduct tests of ultra-powerful nuclear torpedoes near the Arctic Ocean.

Western media and military experts have assessed that while the risk of President Putin deploying nuclear weapons is low, recent unfavorable developments for Russian forces on the Ukrainian front could lead to an escalation of nuclear demonstrations.

There is also speculation that Russia, cornered, might conduct nuclear torpedo tests in the Arctic Ocean. The Times reported that the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has warned member and allied countries about the possibility of Russia testing its nuclear torpedo weapon, "Poseidon."

According to reports, the Russian submarine K-329 Belgorod, equipped with Poseidon, has recently set sail toward the Arctic Ocean.

James Cleverly, UK Foreign Secretary, stated in response to these reports that the UK would respond if Russia uses strategic nuclear weapons.

He said, "Any country that uses nuclear weapons will face a response," adding, "President Putin's strategic mistakes have damaged Russia and increasingly isolated him internationally. He must stop making mistakes."

Regarding the peace proposal suggested by Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, Peskov described it as a "positive step" and said, "Russia is always open to ending conflicts through negotiations."

Russian President Vladimir Putin hinted at the possibility of using nuclear weapons both on the 21st of last month, when he declared a military mobilization order, and on the 30th, when he announced the annexation of occupied Ukrainian territories, stating he would "mobilize all possible means."

The day before, Musk proposed a peace plan including re-conducting a referendum under UN supervision in the occupied Ukrainian territories to decide on territorial annexation.

In response, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed displeasure on Twitter, asking, "Which Musk do you prefer: the one supporting Ukraine or the one supporting Russia?"

Regarding Ukraine's refusal to engage in dialogue, Peskov said, "We will wait for the current Ukrainian president to change his position or for the next Ukrainian president to change it in accordance with the people's interests."

On the possibility of Russia ending the war without Ukraine's participation, he stated, "Negotiations require both parties. If Ukraine refuses to talk, the 'special military operation' will continue."

President Zelensky declared that "dialogue with President Putin is impossible" after Putin signed treaties on the annexation of Ukrainian occupied territories, and formally signed a decree to that effect on the same day.