“If someone attacks Russia, no one will survive,” warns Vladimir Putin

The Russian president Vladimir Putin speaking today at the Valdai Debating Club in Sochi said that no sane person in the world would use nuclear weapons against her of Russia and that potential enemies know about Russia’s nuclear arsenal. “If Russia is attacked there is no chance of survival for anyone,” Putin noted.

Responding to a related question, Putin said that he is not ready to say whether or not Russia needs to resume nuclear weapons testssaying that “in theory we could withdraw ratification” of the international nuclear test ban treaty.

He also said that Russia had almost completed work on the Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile system and had successfully test-fired the Burevestnik strategic cruise missile. Both missiles carry nuclear warheads.

Referring to the UN, the Russian president said that the UN Security Council needs reforms, but reforms that will be agreed upon by consensus. At the same time he stated that India, Brazil and South Africain particular, deserve greater representation.

Referring to the losses of the Ukrainians, he estimated that in the Ukrainian war, more than 90,000 Ukrainian soldiers were killed since the counterattack began in early June, and how Kiev also lost 557 tanks and 1,900 armored vehicles.

He also said that Russia’s cooperation with China is not directed against anyone and that Russia is interested in developing new supply routes with China.

The Russian president said Europe is blocking Russia with a new iron curtain, and that Western sanctions against Moscow over Ukraine have hurt the European economy, while the US and Asian economies have become more competitive.

Referring to recent developments in Nagorno-Karabakh, Putin said that Armenia did not listen to Russia’s proposals for Nagorno-Karabakh.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has also said that politicizing the Group of 20 major economies (G20) is a sure way to ensure its destruction. He praised India for brokering the final communiqué, which did not condemn Russia for its actions in Ukraine.

Putin said Russia was ready for dialogue with Japan on lifting sanctions, but that Tokyo would have to take the initiative for that to happen.

Referred to on the prospect of Ukraine joining NATO, the Russian president said that Russia has always been against joining NATO, because it threatens her safety. He also said that if the military aid from abroad stops Ukraine will not be able to exist and after a week everything will be over.

Speaking about the prospect of Ukraine joining the European Union, the Russian president said that Russia has no objections to joining the EU saying ironically that if they are ready to accept such an economy, let them do so.