Putin: "Facing the Most Dangerous Decade Since WWII... Constant Risk of Nuclear Use" (Summary)

"South Korea, Relations Will Collapse If Weapons Support to Ukraine"
"Won't Repeat Cuban Missile Crisis"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Russian President Vladimir Putin described the international situation related to the Ukraine war as the most dangerous since World War II and once again hinted at the possibility of using nuclear weapons. This move is interpreted as an effort to pressure the United States and the West amid the worsening situation in Ukraine and the strengthening of sanctions against Russia.

Along with nuclear threats, President Putin emphasized that Russia is not completely isolated in the international community by showcasing solidarity with countries such as China and India. At the same time, he stressed dialogue with the West and urged negotiations to resolve the Ukraine issue.

"Facing the Most Dangerous Decade Since World War II"

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

According to TASS news agency on the 27th (local time), President Putin attended the Valdai Club meeting, an international gathering of Russian experts held in Moscow, and stated, "The world is currently facing the most dangerous decade since World War II," adding, "We are witnessing the war in Ukraine and the unstable situation in Taiwan." He further emphasized, "As long as nuclear weapons exist, the risk of their use always remains."

President Putin claimed, "Russia has not mentioned the use of nuclear weapons first," and argued that the West is the one making nuclear threats. He added, "There is no need to use nuclear weapons against Ukraine," and stated, "I have no intention of becoming Khrushchev during the Cuban Missile Crisis."

By directly referring to Nikita Khrushchev, the Soviet Secretary General during the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis when the US and the former Soviet Union came close to nuclear war over missile base construction in Cuba, Putin is interpreted as once again hinting at the possibility of nuclear use toward the West. Since the deterioration of the situation in Ukraine, Russia has continuously implied the possibility of using tactical nuclear weapons to pressure the West.

"South Korea Warned of Relationship Breakdown if Supporting Ukraine" ? An Unusual Direct Mention

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President Putin also gave significant remarks on the situation in Northeast Asia, unusually directly naming South Korea and warning that military support to Ukraine could lead to a breakdown in relations. He said, "I know that South Korea has decided to provide weapons and ammunition to Ukraine," and strongly warned, "If South Korea supplies weapons to Ukraine, the relationship between the two countries will break down."

While President Putin has previously directly criticized the US, the European Union (EU), and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) regarding support for Ukraine, directly naming South Korea and issuing a warning is highly unusual. He also criticized both the US and South Korea regarding the Northeast Asian situation, stating, "The US almost reached an agreement on North Korea's nuclear program but changed its stance and imposed sanctions again."

Regarding the Taiwan issue, President Putin openly supported China's position. He criticized, "Why does an American grandmother visit Taiwan and provoke China? It is wrong for the US to ruin relations with China." Referring to US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who visited Taiwan in August amid protests from the Chinese government, as "grandmother," he labeled the US Taiwan policy as a "provocation."

These remarks are interpreted as concerns over additional military support from US allies in Asia beyond Western countries such as the US and the EU, amid deepening international isolation and worsening conditions in Ukraine. In particular, President Putin reiterated close diplomacy with China, emphasizing, "Chinese President Xi Jinping is a close friend of mine."

"Not Challenging the West... Ultimately Must Be Resolved Through Dialogue"

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

While hinting at nuclear threats to the West, President Putin also left room for diplomatic resolution by emphasizing the need for dialogue. He stated, "Russia is not challenging the West. We are simply defending our right to develop ourselves," and stressed, "We do not consider ourselves enemies of the West." He added, "We tried to become friends with the West and NATO, but we received negative responses from the West."

President Putin urged dialogue with Ukraine and requested US mediation. He said, "The US and its allies are playing a dangerous and bloody game in Ukraine, but ultimately, we must talk," adding, "Russia is ready to talk with Ukraine, and if Ukraine changes its stance and the US signals for a peaceful resolution, the problem can be easily solved."

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