Published on 09/25/2022 13:00
(credit: Saul Loeb)
National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said the United States had warned Russia that the country would face “serious consequences” if it used nuclear weapons in Ukraine.
“We have told top Russian officials directly that there will be serious consequences for Russia if they use nuclear weapons in Ukraine,” Sullivan said Sunday on ABC News’ This Week.
“We have been clear and certain that the United States will respond decisively alongside our allies and partners,” he said. “The Russians have told us what the consequences will be, but we are keen to talk about it publicly.”
On Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a partial publication, issuing a veiled warning that he could use Russia’s nuclear capability if its forces are surrounded. “I want to remind you that our country also has various means of destruction,” Putin said in a televised address. And when the territorial integrity of our country is threatened, in order to protect Russia and our people, we will certainly use all the means at our disposal. ”
Administration officials say they have seen no indication that Russia is preparing to use nuclear weapons. Sullivan added that the Biden administration will continue to supply Ukraine with weapons despite Putin’s comments.
Sullivan said the Russian president’s previous references to his country’s nuclear capability “did not prevent us from providing Ukraine with more than $15 billion worth of weapons” and “will not stop us now.”
