Putin risks restart of nuclear weapons race

“Neither the sanctions, nor the statements by Western leaders can have any influence on [Russian President Vladimir] Putin,” said Andrey Illarionov, economist and former advisor to President Putin, at a press briefing at the Ukraine Crisis Media Center on March 14.  

“Unfortunately, they do not understand Vladimir Putin’s psychological world. This is not an accident or a mistake that can be corrected with sanctions. In the Kremlin’s understanding, this is the highest mission of uniting the separated nations. Putin is convinced that half of Ukraine is historic Russian land, and views his own actions as the implementation of this mission. Europe’s statements and sanctions are simply incommensurable,” Illarionov said.

Illarionov said the unfolding events can negate the 70 years’ work done by the international community to build a system of international relations and ensure global security: “This means that no country will be able to view any other country’s promises as an assurance of its integrity and security. In this case, nuclear weapons will become the sole safeguard of security. Obtaining such weapons will become an absolutely normal, lawful objective for governments throughout the world. The rule of force will become prevalent in international relations.”