JAKARTA - Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said his country did not need to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine, dismissing media speculation about the use of such weapons as lies.
"From a military point of view, there is no need to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine to achieve the stated goals," Minister Shoigu said in a speech at an international security conference held in Moscow.
"The main purpose of Russia's nuclear weapons is to prevent a nuclear attack," said Minister Shoigu.
He further called the speculation circulating in the media about the possibility of Russia using nuclear weapons or other types, as lies.
"The media is spreading speculation about Russia's alleged use of tactical nuclear weapons in special military operations, or about readiness to use chemical weapons. All these information attacks are absolute lies," he said.
Shoigu also accused the Ukrainian military operation of being planned by the United States and Britain, with NATO having increased its troop deployments in eastern and central Europe "several times".
As for the nuclear arms control treaty, referring to the United States' START Treaty with Russia, Minister Shoigu said talks to extend the treaty were a 'two-way street' and 'the situation around it is difficult'.
"A difficult situation is also developing with respect to the Treaty on the Limitation of Strategic Offensive Weapons. The treaty remains in effect until 2026," he explained.
"On the Russian side, obligations are being fulfilled, the declared carrier and warhead levels are maintained within the established limits," said Minister Shoigu.
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