Putin Says "No Need for Nuclear Attack on Ukraine... Russia Has Capability to Achieve Logical Outcome"

When Asked About Succession, Says "The Choice Belongs to the Russian People and Voters"

EPA Yonhap News

On May 4 (local time), Russian President Vladimir Putin stated regarding the possibility of a nuclear attack on Ukraine, "There has not yet been a need for such action, and I hope there will be no need for it in the future either."

In an interview broadcast on Russian state television that day, President Putin said, "They (Ukraine) have tried to provoke us and draw us into making a mistake," in response to a question on the matter.

President Putin also said, "Russia has sufficient capabilities and resources to achieve the logical outcome it seeks in the endeavor (the war) that began in 2022."

When asked whether reconciliation with Ukrainians is possible, he replied, "Despite the tragedy we are experiencing, it is inevitable," and added, "It is a matter of time."

President Putin explained that "Russia did not launch its operation in Ukraine earlier because it trusted the Minsk Agreement and sought a peaceful resolution to the Donbas issue (the Donetsk and Luhansk regions in eastern Ukraine)." The Minsk Agreement is a peace plan prepared by Ukraine, Russia, France, and Germany to end the civil war between Ukrainian forces and pro-Russian separatists that broke out in 2014.

Regarding China, Russia's strong ally, President Putin stated, "The strategic nature of the relationship between Russia and China strengthens global stability," and added, "The national interests of Russia and China largely coincide."

He went on to say, "For the past several centuries, the West has tried to take something from Russia due to differing values," and predicted, "The share of the Group of Seven (G7) countries in the world economy will continue to decline over the next 25 years."

President Putin also made a rare comment regarding Russia's next leader. He said, "Ultimately, the choice belongs to the Russian people and voters," and added, "Anyone who does not gain the trust of the people will find it difficult to be given the opportunity to undertake important tasks. There should be not just one, but several people who can earn the trust of the people."