Blinken: Russia considered nuclear strike on Ukraine, China warned Moscow against it

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken revealed that Russia had considered using nuclear weapons against Ukraine, prompting a warning from China to Moscow against such an action.

Blinken expressed serious concern, noting that it appeared Russian President Vladimir Putin was at least evaluating a nuclear option.

“Even if the probability was as low as 5 to 15% when it comes to nuclear weapons, there’s nothing more serious. We have reason to believe that China reached out to Russia and said, ‘Don’t do it,'” Blinken said.

He also mentioned a similar dynamic during an incident when the US informed China that Putin was planning to deploy nuclear weapons in space.

Addressing criticism of delayed US military aid to Ukraine, Blinken rejected claims that the Biden administration had been slow, emphasizing that logistical considerations, including the operation and maintenance of advanced systems, had to be factored in.

The remarks highlight the high-stakes diplomacy and complex calculations in managing the ongoing conflict and nuclear tensions.