In a speech at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated his stance on the potential use of nuclear weapons, stating that there is currently no immediate threat to Russia's sovereignty that would warrant their deployment. However, he ominously warned that Moscow could still provide arms to countries or groups to target Western interests.

Putin emphasized that the use of nuclear weapons is an option only in "exceptional cases," and in his view, such a scenario has not yet arisen. The Russian leader has consistently evoked the possibility of a nuclear attack ever since the deployment of troops into Ukraine in 2022.

This recent statement comes in response to NATO allies allowing Ukraine to use their weapons to strike targets inside Russia. Putin justified Moscow's right to arm western adversaries if they were supplying weapons to the conflict zone, arguing, "If they supply (weapons) to the combat zone and call for using these weapons against our territory, why don't we have the right to do the same?"

However, Putin emphasized that he is not immediately planning to implement this measure, highlighting concerns about its potential impact on global stability. He did not specify which entities could receive such arms from Russia.

The United States and Germany recently authorized Ukraine to strike certain targets on Russian soil using long-range weapons supplied to Kyiv. A Western official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that American weapons had been used under President Joe Biden's approved guidance to defend Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city.

Regarding the situation in Ukraine, Putin expressed his belief that there is no need for a new mobilization of Russian forces, as people are voluntarily joining the front lines to defend their Motherland.

The St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, known as a platform for Russia to showcase its development to attract investors, also saw Putin highlight Russia's growing economic ties with countries in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Despite sweeping sanctions imposed on Russia for its actions in Ukraine, Putin asserted that the Russian economy continues to grow and remains a key player in world trade.

It is evident that the ongoing conflict in Ukraine not only holds political significance but also has economic ramifications. With international sanctions limiting trade with Western Europe, the United States, and their allies, the Russian economy has found stimulation through increased military spending and support for volunteer soldiers.

While Putin's remarks may be seen as a warning to Western nations, it remains to be seen if and when Russia will take action on its threat to arm adversaries. The international community will closely monitor the situation, as tensions continue to escalate in the region.