Sergei Shoigu, the Russian Defense Minister, has claimed that the country has “no need to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine.” Even sometimes we must take what the Russian officials say with a grain of salt, the statement seems to be directed at clearing up Western media speculation that the Russian military and government may turn to the use of nuclear weapons. Sergei Shoigu said the media claims and even the suggestion that the Russians would do this are “absolute lies.”

"From a military point of view, there is no need to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine to achieve the set goals. The main purpose of Russian nuclear weapons is to deter a nuclear attack. The media are spreading speculation about the alleged use of Russian tactical nuclear weapons in the course of the special military operation, or about the readiness to use chemical weapons. All these informational attacks are absolute lies."

Sergei Shoigu said.

According to Sergei Shoigu, the Ukrainian military operations are being planned out by the United States and the United Kingdom. This was another talking point of his as he mentioned NATO increasing troop deployment in Eastern Europe “several times now.” As he discussed the New START Treaty, Sergei Shoigu claimed the talks of the extension were “a two-way street.”

"A difficult situation is also developing with regard to the Treaty on the Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms. The agreement remains in force until 2026. On the Russian side, obligations are being fulfilled, and the declared levels of carriers and warheads are maintained within the established limits."

Shoigu said.