Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed that there has been no necessity to deploy nuclear weapons in Ukraine and he remains hopeful that such measures will not be required. In a recently aired documentary on Russian state television, which reflects on his 25 years in power, Putin confidently stated that Russia possesses both the capability and the resources to resolve the ongoing conflict in Ukraine to what he considers a “logical conclusion.”
When asked about Ukrainian attacks on Russian territory, Putin clarified, “There has been no need to use those (nuclear) weapons… and I hope they will not be required.” He added, “We have enough strength and means to bring what was initiated in 2022 to a logical conclusion with the outcome Russia requires.”
In the past, particularly in November 2024, Putin signed an updated version of Russia’s nuclear doctrine. This revamped doctrine stipulated the conditions under which Moscow’s nuclear arsenal might be used, including in response to a conventional attack supported by a nuclear power. This adjustment effectively lowered the threshold for nuclear response.
Within the documentary, Putin noted that an all-out invasion of Ukraine was not pursued in 2014, the year Russia annexed Crimea, because it seemed “practically unrealistic.” He stated that, at the time, Russia was unprepared for a confrontation with the collective West. He also claimed Russia had endeavored to resolve the conflict in Donbas through peaceful means.
Putin mentioned that reconciliation between Russia and Ukraine is “inevitable.” However, the conflict persists as Moscow and Kyiv remain divided over various ceasefire proposals. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized a potential ceasefire “even from today” should Moscow demonstrate a genuine intent to halt the war.
During a press conference with Czech President Petr Pavel, Zelenskyy pointed out that Russia has not responded to a U.S.-initiated full ceasefire proposal for 54 days. He appreciated the Czech Republic’s support for Ukraine’s proposal for a 30-day ceasefire. Zelenskyy criticized Putin’s willingness to display military might at the Victory Day parade, suggesting instead a focus on ending hostilities.
Zelenskyy voiced deep doubts concerning Russia’s offer of a 72-hour truce to mark Victory Day, as Moscow continued aggressive operations despite purportedly expressing interest in a temporary ceasefire. He cited numerous assaults by Russia during the Easter period, contradicting earlier promises for a pause in military actions. Zelenskyy has consistently urged for a more impactful 30-day reduction in hostilities, aligning with U.S. proposals.
The Kremlin’s offer for the Victory Day truce was claimed to be on humanitarian grounds, intended to commemorate the defeat of Nazi Germany in 1945, and scheduled from May 8 to May 10. In collaboration with Pavel, Zelenskyy discussed aspirations for Ukraine to acquire 1.8 million artillery shells by 2025 through a Czech-led initiative, which delivered 1.5 million rounds in 2024. The initiative has backing from NATO allies. Furthermore, Zelenskyy expressed plans with Pavel about developing an F-16 training school, noting that a base in Ukraine would be susceptible to Russian attacks.
Meanwhile, confrontations in Ukraine continue to unfold. Ukrainian authorities reported a recent Russian drone attack on Kyiv, which injured 11 individuals, including two children. Residents of Kyiv’s Obolon district, like 83-year-old Valentyna Fesiuk, were jarred awake by the attacks. Others, like Viacheslav Khotab, witnessed personal property destruction amidst ongoing hostilities.
Daryna Kravchuk, an 18-year-old resident, recounted the scary moments when air raid sirens rang out and explosions followed, leaving many in a state of uncertainty and fear over continuous violence. The local officials noted fatalities from Russian guided bombings, with one casualty in each of the Dnipropetrovsk and Sumy regions.
Ukraine’s air force reported that out of 165 drones and decoys dispatched overnight by Russia, 69 were intercepted while another 80 were potentially disrupted electronically. Russia also launched two ballistic missiles. Meanwhile, Russia’s Defense Ministry stated that its defenses downed 13 Ukrainian drones during the night.