Berlin: President Vladimir Putin’s decision to place Russian nuclear weapons on high standby “cross another line” and showed his attack in Ukraine would not plan, the German defense minister said Sunday.
“In Megalomania (Putin), a quick invasion of Ukraine has been stopped by the brave and determined Ukrainian actions,” said Christine Lambrecht to ZDF public broadcasters.
Previously, Sunday Putin ordered his defense’s head to place the country’s “prevention power” with a high alert, accusing Western countries to take “unfriendly” steps in his country in the midst of Moscow’s invasion to Ukraine.
“We will be advised to take Putin and his declaration very seriously and do not underestimate it,” Lambrecht said, calling the West to remain “very vigilant”.
The White House has condemned Putin’s announcement as “truly unacceptable” and unnecessary escalation.
Head of NATO Jens Stoltenberg also denounced it as “dangerous” and “irresponsible”.