[Asia Economy Reporter Yujin Cho] As Russian President Vladimir Putin once again issued nuclear weapon threats, the U.S. State Department immediately condemned, saying "irresponsible remarks are absolutely reckless."
On the 7th (local time), Ned Price, spokesperson for the State Department, responded to a briefing regarding President Putin's statement that nuclear weapons are means of defense and retaliation.
Price said, "Since the Cold War, nuclear-armed countries around the world, including China and India, have reaffirmed the position that 'nuclear war must never happen and no one can be a winner.'
He went on to point out that President Putin's recent nuclear threat remarks are merely 'irresponsible rhetoric.' He said, "Whether it is a nuclear threat or implying the possible use of tactical nuclear weapons, such rhetoric is irresponsible," adding, "It is not only dangerous but also contrary to the fundamental spirit of the post-Cold War nuclear non-proliferation regime."
Regarding requests for confirmation on whether Iran is supplying ballistic missiles to Russia, which invaded Ukraine, he said, "There is no information to share at this time."
He then mentioned the prolonged war and Russia's weapon shortage due to sanctions against Russia, stating, "Concerns remain that Russia may turn to other countries such as Iran and North Korea to replenish its missiles."
As Ukraine attacked military facilities on Russian mainland, President Putin once again raised the possibility of using nuclear weapons, issuing a preemptive nuclear threat.
In a TV address that day, President Putin said, "Russia considers nuclear weapons as means of defense and potential retaliation," adding, "We have the most advanced nuclear weapons, but we do not want to wield them. We regard such weapons as deterrents."
He also criticized, "Unlike the U.S., we have not deployed tactical nuclear weapons in other countries," and emphasized, "Russia will use all means to defend its territory and allies."
He acknowledged that the Ukraine war could be prolonged but drew a line against additional mobilization orders raised by some. He said, "Regarding the duration of the 'special military operation,' of course, it could be a long process," adding, "The emergence of new territories and the transition to the Azov Sea's inland waters are important outcomes of the special military operation," and "It may take a long time for these outcomes to become clear."
He continued, "Currently, 150,000 mobilized troops are in the special military operation area, of which 77,000 are deployed in combat units. The rest are assigned to territorial defense forces," and stated, "At this time, additional mobilization orders are meaningless."
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