Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that there is currently no need to use nuclear weapons in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, adding that he “hopes” such actions will not be necessary as the war enters its third year.
In a documentary aired on Sunday, May 4, by the state-run Rossiya 1 television channel to mark his 25 years in power, Putin reiterated Russia’s military strength and emphasized that the country has “enough power and resources” to bring the conflict to what he described as a “logical conclusion with the outcome Russia requires.”
When asked by journalist Pavel Zarubin whether Russia would respond to Ukrainian attacks on its territory with nuclear force, Putin responded, “There has been no need to use those \[nuclear] weapons … and I hope they will not be required.”
These comments come ahead of a unilaterally declared three-day ceasefire from May 8–10, announced by Moscow to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. Putin portrayed the ceasefire as a test of Ukraine’s willingness to seek long-term peace, although previous peace overtures have not been successful.
Earlier this year, Russia rejected a joint proposal from Kyiv and Washington for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire, dismissing the offer as having “unrealistic preconditions.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed skepticism about Moscow’s intentions, saying during a visit to the Czech Republic that he had “no belief” that Russia would honor the ceasefire.
“This is not the first time Russia has promised to halt fire, only to continue its attacks,” Zelenskyy said at a joint press conference with Czech President Petr Pavel. “Today’s military report shows Russia launched over 200 assaults on Saturday alone—the highest in recent months.”
Pavel, a former NATO general, stated that Russia could end the war with “a single decision” by Putin, but also noted that the Kremlin has shown no real “willingness” to pursue peace.
Despite ceasefire discussions, fighting continues on multiple fronts. Ukraine’s Air Force reported that Russia launched two ballistic missiles and a total of 165 aerial threats, including drones and decoys, overnight. Of these, 69 were intercepted, and 80 were likely neutralized through electronic jamming.
Tragically, two people were killed in Russian strikes on Sunday, with one casualty in the Kharkiv region and another in Sumy. A drone strike on Kyiv also left 11 people injured, according to Ukraine’s State Emergency Service.
Meanwhile, Russia’s Defence Ministry stated that it intercepted 13 Ukrainian drones overnight. In Russia’s Bryansk region, officials confirmed that a Ukrainian strike destroyed a significant portion of an electrical equipment factory near the border, though no casualties were reported.
