Vladimir Putin recently discussed his 25-year tenure and addressed the ongoing war in Ukraine, sharing his thoughts on how it might ultimately conclude.
Tensions between Russia and Ukraine escalated significantly in 2022 when Russia, under Putin’s leadership, launched an invasion into Ukraine.
Given Russia’s extensive nuclear capabilities, there is widespread concern about the potential for the conflict to involve nuclear weapons.
In November of the previous year, Putin updated Russia’s nuclear doctrine, clarifying the scenarios under which the country might employ its extensive nuclear arsenal.
This revision lowered the threshold for nuclear weapon use, allowing for such a response even to a conventional attack supported by a nuclear power, heightening fears of an escalation in the conflict.
In a recent conversation with Russian state television, Putin shared his perspective on whether he believes such an escalation is a potential outcome.
He remarked: “There has been no need to use those [nuclear] weapons … and I hope they will not be required.”
“We have enough strength and means to bring what was started in 2022 to a logical conclusion with the outcome Russia requires.”
Putin also revisited the annexation of Crimea in 2014, explaining that a full-scale invasion was considered ‘practically unrealistic’ at that time.
He explained: “The country was not ready for such a frontal confrontation with the entire collective West.”
Moreover, he stated that Russia ‘sincerely sought to solve the problem of Donbas by peaceful means’.
Despite Putin’s confidence that the conflict will end with a result favorable to Russia, the timeline for this resolution remains uncertain.
On Truth Social, in late April, US President Donald Trump voiced concerns that Russia might be unwilling to end the conflict, despite ongoing peace negotiations.
Trump remarked: “There was no reason for Putin to be shooting missiles into civilian areas, cities and towns, over the last few days.
“It makes me think that maybe he doesn’t want to stop the war, he’s just tapping me along, and has to be dealt with differently, through ‘Banking’ or ‘Secondary Sanctions?’ Too many people are dying!!!”
Vice President JD Vance recently suggested that the conflict might persist for a while longer, given the differing objectives of Russia and Ukraine.
In a May 1st interview with Fox News, Vance discussed the progress made towards resolution.
He stated: “It’s going to be up to them [Ukraine and Russia] to come to an agreement and stop this brutal, brutal conflict. It’s not going anywhere. It’s not going to end anytime soon.
“Of course, they [the Ukrainians] are angry that they were invaded, but are we going to continue to lose thousands and thousands of soldiers over a few miles of territory this or that way? I hope both of them come to their senses.”