Vladimir Putin warns of potential use of weapons of mass destruction

Speaking at the Valdai Discussion Club in Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that there are no guarantees that weapons of mass destruction will never be used. He emphasized the necessity of preventing such scenarios, stating, “Can we be sure that this weapon will never be used? Certainly not. We must remember this and avoid it.”

Putin suggested that international conflicts are likely to continue as the global landscape shifts, noting that the situation may improve as Western hegemony declines. He cautioned that catastrophic scenarios must be avoided, even as he acknowledged that fundamental global changes are driving ambitions and a readiness to take risks for perceived gains.

In a broader geopolitical context, analysts note that Russia is employing a strategy of escalation to weaken the European Union. This includes increased military action in Ukraine, domestic repression, and various provocations against Europe—such as cyberattacks and sabotage—aimed at undermining European unity and support for Kyiv.