Kiev, Ukraine- Ukrainian President, Vladimir Zelensky and Jens Stoltenberg, the secretary-general of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) are standing firm in condemning a potential nuclear war with Russia.
The sentiments from both leaders stem from a speech by Russia’s President, Vladimir Putin, broadcasted on Wednesday morning where he accused the West of seeking to dismember Russia and said his country would use any means at its disposal to defend the country’s territorial integrity including its nuclear deterrent, in case of an attack with weapons of mass destruction and emphasized that he was not bluffing about this.
In response, Zelensky said he does not believe Russia could resort to a nuclear option citing that the world would not allow Russia to do this.
“I do not believe that he (Putin) will use these weapons. There are risks. We will act according to our plans step by step. I am sure we will liberate our territory,” said Zelensky, who was speaking to Germany’s Bild tabloid.
On the other hand, Stoltenberg said NATO has told Russia very clearly that it cannot win a nuclear war.
“This is dangerous and reckless nuclear rhetoric. He knows very well that nuclear war should never be fought and cannot be won and it will have unprecedented consequences for Russia. We are not a party to the conflict, but we support Ukraine,” said Stoltenberg.
In addition, Stoltenberg insisted that Putin had made a strategic mistake with Ukraine and that the conflict there is not going according to his plan. He also argued that Russian forces are ill-equipped and struggling with command, control and supplies, while Ukraine has the unified support of the collective West, which Russia totally underestimated.
Meanwhile, Rostech, the Russian State-owned defence industry giant has vowed to enhance its production capabilities to keep up with the growing demand for military hardware.
“Today, many Rostech enterprises have already introduced special operating conditions. The employees are working overtime and often on weekends as well. Its contribution to the common cause would help Russia prevail and come out as a victor,” said Rostech in a statement.
Rostech is responsible for 40 percent of all defence acquisition contracts. The defence industry giant produces warplanes, artillery systems, high-precision weapons, communication devices and radio-electronic warfare systems amongst others.
Russia sent troops into Ukraine on February 24, citing Kyiv’s failure to implement the Minsk agreements, designed to give the regions of Donetsk and Lugansk special status within the Ukrainian State. The protocols, brokered by Germany and France, were first signed in 2014.
