UK warns Putin of ‘severe consequences’ if he uses nuclear weapons

Threat that Mr Putin will start atomic war 'has increased recently', according to reports

Russian President Vladimir Putin at the CIS leaders' summit in Astana, Kazakhstan, on October 14, 2022. UK sources continue to develop the theme of Russian nuclear arms use in Ukraine. Reuters
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There will be “severe consequences” if Russian President Vladimir Putin orders use of nuclear weapons in the Ukraine conflict, the British government said.

Amid reports Russia could detonate a nuclear warhead over the Black Sea, Defence Secretary Ben Wallace has been in Washington for talks with his US counterpart.

“We are very clear with Putin that the use of nuclear weapons will lead to severe consequences,” said Prime Minister Liz Truss's official spokesman, who did not comment on Mr Wallace’s meeting.

“I would guide away from speculating on this as an issue. I think the public need to be reassured that we are taking a strong lead in this area,” he said.

“I think it would be a mistake to be drawn into speculation on this rather than focusing on what we are seeing day by day, which is a senseless and barbaric attack on civilians across Ukraine.”

It comes after The Sun newspaper quoted a security source who said the “threat” of Mr Putin nuclear weapons “has increased recently”.

Putin's inner circle — in pictures

Mr Wallace, MP for Wyre and Preston North, pulled out of a session with the Commons Defence Committee on Tuesday to take part in talks with US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin.

“There has been a lot of speculation about why the defence secretary travelled to Washington,” said a senior defence source.

“As we approach winter in Ukraine, with their [Ukraine's] successes on the battleground against Russian forces and in light of Putin’s recent actions, it was important to meet face to face with US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin and others from the US administration to discuss our shared security concerns.”

On Wednesday, Mr Putin declared martial law in the annexed regions of Ukraine.

Putin declares martial law in annexed Ukrainian regions — video

Putin declares martial law in annexed Ukrainian regions

Putin declares martial law in annexed Ukrainian regions
Updated: October 19, 2022, 9:18 PM