Putin makes u-turn over nukes threat, says no need for new massive strikes on Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin made U-turn and said on Friday there was no need for massive new strikes on Ukraine and that Russia was not looking to destroy the country.

Putin disclosed this in a news conference at the end of a summit in Kazakhstan, adding that his call-up of Russian reservists would be over within two weeks and there were no plans for a further mobilisation.

He also repeated the Kremlin position that Russia was willing to hold talks, although he said they would require international mediation if Ukraine was prepared to take part.

However, Putin’s comments appeared to suggest a slight softening of his tone as the war nears the end of its eight month, after weeks of Ukrainian advances and significant Russian defeats.

Recall, Putin had said he would be ready to use nuclear weapons to defend Russia’s “territorial integrity”. He also warned of a “global catastrophe” in the event of a direct clash of NATO troops with Russia.

Source: ASTANA, Oct 14 (Reuters).