MOSCOW, RUSSIA — Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that there has been no necessity to use nuclear weapons in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine and expressed hope that such measures will remain unnecessary. He emphasized that Russia possesses sufficient “strength and means” to achieve its objectives in Ukraine without resorting to nuclear arms.

Putin’s remarks were made during a state television documentary commemorating his 25 years in power. He reiterated that the war, initiated by Russia’s invasion in 2022, can reach a “logical conclusion with the outcome Russia requires” without the deployment of nuclear weapons.

These comments come ahead of a unilaterally declared three-day ceasefire by Russia from May 8 to 10, intended to mark the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. Putin suggested that this ceasefire would test Kyiv’s readiness for long-term peace.

However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed skepticism regarding Russia’s commitment to the ceasefire. During a visit to the Czech Republic, Zelenskyy stated, “There is no faith [in them],” citing ongoing Russian assaults despite the proposed truce. He called on Ukraine’s allies to increase pressure on Russia.

The situation on the ground remains tense. Ukraine’s Air Force reported that Russia launched two ballistic missiles and 165 drones and decoys overnight, with 69 intercepted and 80 likely disrupted by electronic jamming. Russian attacks resulted in casualties, including two deaths from guided bombs in unspecified regions and 11 injuries from a drone attack in Kyiv.

In response, Russia’s Defence Ministry claimed to have shot down 13 Ukrainian drones overnight. Additionally, Ukrainian forces reportedly struck an electrical equipment factory in Russia’s Bryansk region, causing significant damage but no casualties.

Source; Al Jazeera