Array
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s threat to use nuclear weapons must be taken seriously, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Sunday, warning that the Kremlin may resort to “nuclear blackmail” as its invasion of Ukraine falters.
In an interview with CBS’ “Face the Nation,” Mr. Zelenskyy said it would be a mistake to underestimate Moscow’s willingness to use its nuclear stockpile, which is the largest in the world.
“Now, it could be a reality,” he said.
“He wants to scare the whole world,” Mr. Zelenskyy said of Mr. Putin. “These are the first steps of his nuclear blackmail. I don’t think he’s bluffing. I think the world is deterring it and containing this threat. We need to keep putting pressure on him and not allow him to continue.”
Mr. Zelenskyy’s comments came just days after Mr. Putin last week announced a major military mobilization of his country’s reserve troops. In a speech announcing that call-up, the Russian leader made thinly veiled threats of nuclear war toward the West.
