Putin Hints at Nuclear Risk, Kyiv Ceasefire Disputed

Russian President Vladimir Putin, in a televised interview, stated he hopes nuclear weapons will not be needed in the war against Ukraine while asserting Russia's strength to achieve its objectives and bring the conflict to a 'logical conclusion.' He referenced Russia's updated nuclear doctrine, which lowers the threshold for nuclear use, including in response to conventional attacks supported by nuclear powers. Amid international concerns of escalation, Moscow announced a unilateral 72-hour Victory Day ceasefire, which Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and the US dismissed as insufficient, pressing instead for a 30-day halt. Western officials, such as former CIA director William Burns, have warned of the continued risk of Russian nuclear use since 2022, and Ukraine's ambassador to the US urged global leaders to take Putin's threats seriously. Diplomatic negotiations remain stalled as Russia and Ukraine disagree on ceasefire terms and fighting persists in border regions. Russia currently controls about 20% of Ukrainian territory since launching the invasion in February 2022.