Western Powers Launch Full Offensive Over Referendum in Russia... US Warns of "Catastrophe", UK Calls "Nuclear Threat Fake"

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo Yujin] As Russia conducts referendums to annex the entire occupied territories of Ukraine into its own territory, Western countries have launched a full-scale offensive in response to Russia's nuclear threats.

On the 25th (local time), UK Prime Minister Liz Truss said in an exclusive interview with the US CNN, "Do not pay attention to Vladimir Putin's displays of force and fake threats."

When asked how Western leaders should respond if President Putin expands military activities in Ukraine, she said, "We must continue to sanction Russia and support Ukraine." She added, "President Putin made a strategic mistake by invading Ukraine and did not anticipate the strong backlash from the free world."

She emphasized, "The relationship between the UK and the US is special and becomes even more important in times facing the Russian threat."

Jake Sullivan, U.S. National Security Advisor, is speaking at a briefing held at the White House on the 25th (local time). (Photo by EPA)

The US also strongly warned that Russia would face fatal consequences if it uses nuclear weapons in the war. Jake Sullivan, US White House National Security Advisor, appeared on CBS's 'Face the Nation' and stated that the US has conveyed to Russia that it will respond firmly if Russia uses nuclear weapons.

He said, "We made it clear to Russia that the use of nuclear weapons would lead to catastrophic consequences and what kind of outcomes would follow." He added, "Since this could be the first use of nuclear weapons since World War II, Putin's nuclear threats must be taken very seriously."

In an interview with NBC's 'Meet the Press,' Sullivan also revealed that high-level talks have taken place through unofficial channels between US and Russian authorities regarding Russia's nuclear threats. Sullivan assessed that Putin's military mobilization order, annexation referendums in occupied territories, and nuclear threats are "not signs of strength or confidence but the opposite," indicating that Russia and President Putin are struggling.

However, he warned, "Putin and Russia remain dangerous adversaries. They can show tremendous brutality."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also expressed concern, saying, "Putin's nuclear threats may have been bluster, but (tomorrow) they could become reality," and added, "(Putin) wants to shock the entire world."

Earlier on the 21st, President Putin issued a military mobilization order, hinting at the possibility of using nuclear weapons. Subsequently, from the 25th to the 27th, Russia is conducting referendums in four Ukrainian regions it occupies?Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson?asking residents whether they support annexation by Russia. According to major foreign media such as TASS, the Russian parliament is expected to approve and formalize the annexation as early as the 30th. Russia previously formalized the forced annexation of Crimea in 2014 through a referendum.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.