An ally of Vladimir Putin has said that Russia has a “basis to start a nuclear war.” In a video, Russian TV host Vladimir Solovyov has sparked a bit of fear with his comments that President Vladimir Putin already sees a valid “basis to start a nuclear war.” He cited Russia’s nuclear doctrine during an appearance on a state-run media show.

According to the Irish Star, as the conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues, August saw a bold move by Kyiv as they executed their counteroffensive into Kursk, which marked the first instance of Russian soil being claimed since the Second World War. Tensions regarding nuclear safety were heightened when Moscow accused Ukraine last month of trying to strike a nuclear power station using drones.

Amid the ongoing conflict, Putin has not shied away from mentioning nuclear weaponry. The International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICANW) points out that Russia is at the top of the list globally for its stockpile of nuclear warheads.

Speaking on a recent broadcast, Solovyov rattled viewers by suggesting that Russia might contemplate initiating a nuclear strike in retaliation to Ukraine’s advance into Kursk, asserting the existence of a “basis to start a nuclear war” based on Russia’s nuclear position, reportsthe Express. –Irish Star

Russia’s nuclear doctrine could be initiated because of alleged strikes against their early warning systems. In a video translated and posted on YouTube by Russian Media Monitor, Solovyov explained: “We have a very simple problem. First, they were striking against our eyes that would detect a nuclear strike against Russia. According to our doctrine, this is already a basis to start a nuclear war against them.”

He further emphasized: “You say that everything is going according to plan. Pardon me, but the Nazi troops have invaded the territory of the Kursk region.”

Russia’s president Vladimir Putin also recently stated that NATO would be formally entered into a hot war if it allowed Ukraine to carry out long range missile strikes. This is one of Russia’s last red lines so far not completely crossed by Ukraine’s western backers.

Putin Warns of NATO’s Formal Entry Into War If It Allows Ukraine to Carry Out Long-Range Missile Strikes