Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that there is currently no need to deploy nuclear weapons in the ongoing war in Ukraine, expressing hope that such measures will not become necessary as the conflict enters its third year.
In a documentary aired on May 4 by the state-run Rossiya 1 television channel to mark his 25th year in power, Putin reiterated Russia’s military strength and emphasized that the country has “enough strength and means” to bring the conflict to what he described as a “logical conclusion” in Russia’s favor.
When asked by journalist Pavel Zarubin whether Russia would resort to nuclear weapons in response to Ukrainian attacks on its territory, Putin replied, “There has been no need to use those [nuclear] weapons… and I hope they will not be required.”
These comments come ahead of a three-day ceasefire unilaterally declared by Moscow, scheduled from May 8–10, to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. Putin presented the ceasefire as a test of Ukraine’s willingness to engage in long-term peace talks, though prior peace initiatives have failed to produce significant results.
Earlier this year, Russia rejected a joint ceasefire proposal from Kyiv and Washington, citing what it called “unrealistic preconditions.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed skepticism about Russia’s intentions, stating during a visit to the Czech Republic that he had “no belief” Russia would honor the ceasefire. “This is not the first time Russia has promised a ceasefire, only to continue its attacks,” Zelenskyy said at a joint press conference with Czech President Petr Pavel.
Military reports indicate that Russia launched over 200 attacks on Saturday alone, marking the highest number in recent months.
Pavel, a former NATO general, pointed out that Russia could end the war with “a single decision” by Putin, but noted that the Kremlin has shown no genuine “willingness” to pursue peace.
Despite ongoing ceasefire discussions, fighting continues on multiple fronts. Ukraine’s Air Force reported that Russia launched two ballistic missiles and 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—one in Kharkiv and one in Sumy regions. A drone strike in Kyiv also left 11 people injured, according to Ukraine’s State Emergency Service.
On the Russian side, the Ministry of Defence reported intercepting 13 Ukrainian drones overnight. In Russia’s Bryansk region, a Ukrainian strike destroyed much of an electrical equipment factory near the border, although no casualties were reported