War in Ukraine: "Russia would use nuclear weapons only if its existence was threatened"
A Kremlin spokesman said Russia would only use nuclear weapons if its existence was threatened.
Moscow will not use nuclear weapons in Ukraine very existence is threatened, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peshkov told CNN International tonight.
"We have a doctrine of internal security, it is public, you can read there all the reasons for the use of nuclear weapons. "If it is an existential threat to our country, then they can be used, according to our doctrine," he said.
Journalist Christian Amanpour had asked Peshkov if he was "sure" or "convinced" that Russian President Vladimir Putin, with whom he is a close ally, would not use nuclear weapons in Ukraine.
The Russian military met with unexpected resistance from Ukrainian security forces after the start of the war on February 24. According to the Pentagon, the Ukrainian army, which retains control of major urban centers, has been able in recent days to carry out a number of counterattacks that have allowed it, mainly in the south, to retake territory from the Russians.
Experts estimate that the Russian army is facing logistical and communication problems.
