Putin Criticizes ‘Western Elites,’ Denies Intending to Use Nuclear Weapons in Ukraine

In a Thursday speech, Russian President Vladimir Putin said he never intended to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine and accused “Western elites” of playing a “dangerous, bloody and dirty game.”

Key Quotes: Putin framed the conflict in Ukraine as part of a larger battle between “two Wests: the traditional West, with Christian values above all, with which we share common antique roots, and the cosmopolitan West, which is a tool of liberal elites.” The Russian leader added that the next decade was “probably the most dangerous, unpredictable and at the same time important decade since the end of the Second World War.”

For Context: This was not the first time Putin framed Russia’s invasion as a conflict between a traditional West and a liberal West. Eight months in, some in the so-called liberal West have questioned how long their aid for Ukraine would continue. Last week, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) said Republicans — who are expected to win a majority in the midterms — would not “write a blank check to Ukraine.” 

How the Media Covered It: Coverage was more prominently featured in major left-rated outlets, which often framed Putin’s remarks around his criticism of “western elites”; a New York Times (Lean Left bias) article said Putin’s remarks were “seemingly aimed more at winning over political conservatives abroad than his own citizens.” Meanwhile, coverage from the right focused on his prediction of a “dangerous” decade.