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Russia's Sergey Ryabkov Warns Western Actions May Lead to Nuclear Weapons Use; Putin's Oreshnik Missile Range Up to 5,500 km

Dec 19, 2024, 10:04 AM

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov has warned that actions by Western countries could create risks that may lead to discussions about the potential use of nuclear weapons by Moscow. He stated that the increasingly reckless behavior of the U.S. and NATO could result in serious, if not catastrophic, consequences for international security. Ryabkov emphasized that the threats posed by Western nations near Russia's borders could push Moscow to consider the use of nuclear arms. This rhetoric aligns with President Vladimir Putin's recent comments regarding Russia's new missile system, the Oreshnik, which he claims cannot be intercepted by existing missile defense systems. Putin asserted that if Russia's sovereignty is threatened, the country reserves the right to deploy nuclear weapons, particularly against non-nuclear states that pose a threat. He also noted that the Oreshnik has a range of up to 5,500 kilometers, making it a significant addition to Russia's military capabilities.