Russian President Vladimir Putin said there was no need for the use of nuclear weapons in Ukraine and hopes there will be none.
In an excerpt from the interview with Russian television - which will be broadcast in full later - that was published on Telegram on Sunday, Putin said that Russia has the power and tools to bring the conflict in Ukraine to a "logical conclusion".
Responding to a question about Ukrainian attacks on Russian territory, Putin said: "There was no need for the use of these [nuclear] weapons... and I hope there is no need."
"We have enough power and tools to bring what started in 2022 to a logical conclusion, with the result that Russia seeks," he said.
In November 2024, Putin signed the revised version of Russia's nuclear doctrine, which sets out the circumstances that allow him to use Moscow's nuclear arsenal, the largest in the world.
This updated version of the doctrine lowered the criteria, giving it the ability to use nuclear weapons even in response to a conventional attack, supported by a nuclear power.
Putin's statements come at a time when Russia's invasion of Ukraine is in its third year and when both sides have disagreements over proposals for a ceasefire.
On Saturday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Moscow's announcement of a 72-hour ceasefire next week in Ukraine to mark World War II Victory Day was a "theatrical show," as Russia plans to celebrate May 9 with a series of events, including a military parade in Moscow.
He has requested a 30-day pause, which was originally proposed by the United States, but which was not accepted by Russia./REL