Russia 'Ready' for Nuclear War, Putin Says
The Facts
In an interview with Russian media ahead of the country's elections commencing on Friday, Russian Pres. Vladimir Putin said that the country is technically "ready" for a nuclear war should it break out, but added that he doesn't see the world "rushing" in that direction.
The remarks were presented by English-speaking media as a nuclear threat to the West and more saber-rattling on the part of the Russian leader.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Ahead of Russia's sham elections where the autocrat is all but guaranteed to be re-elected, Putin is once again threatening the West with the use of nuclear weapons — demonstrating once again his gangster tactics in an effort to exert his influence.
Narrative B
Putin's specific remarks were in response to a direct question about whether Russia was "really" ready to use nuclear weapons if they were needed. He reiterated Russia's longstanding nuclear doctrine that states such weapons can only be used if the existence of the Russian state was under threat — something he said is unlikely.
