President Vladimir Putin said the development of Russia's nuclear triad was an "absolute priority" Monday as he outlined the country's stance on its weapons program, according to reports.
Marking Russia’s Defender of the Fatherland Day, the Russian leader spoke about strengthening the country’s nuclear capabilities before presenting state awards to officers involved in the invasion of Ukraine, the other branches of the armed forces, increasing their combat readiness, mobility, and ability to operate in all conditions, even the most challenging.
"And, of course, we will accelerate the development of advanced systems for the armed forces," he added.
Putin’s remarks came after Russia suspended its participation in the New START Treaty on Feb. 5, 2023, the last remaining nuclear arms control agreement between Moscow and Washington.
Zelenskyy described the war as part of Putin’s broader attempt to impose a "different way of life" on the world.
"Stopping Putin today and preventing him from occupying Ukraine is a victory for the whole world," he said.
However, when asked about the possibility of ceding the embattled Donbas region to Moscow as part of a peace deal, he warned that Russia would likely rebuild its military strength within "no more than a couple of years" and launch another invasion.
"Where would he go next? We do not know, but that he would want to continue [the war] is a fact," Zelenskyy said.