MOSCOW — President Vladimir Putin cast the confrontation with the West over the Ukraine war as an existential battle for the survival of Russia and the Russian people – and said he was forced to take into account Nato’s nuclear capabilities. The Nato and the West dismiss such narrative, saying their objective is to help Ukraine defend itself against an unprovoked attack. Putin said Russia would only resume discussion once French and British nuclear weapons were also taken into account. Russia, which inherited the Soviet Union’s nuclear weapons, has the world’s biggest store of nuclear warheads. Putin said the biggest result of the past year was the unity of the Russian people.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer February 26, 2023 11:08 UTC