He also noted that Western analysts are talking about the possibility of using low-yield nuclear weapons. “There is a trend of lowering the threshold” of using nuclear weapons, Putin said. “Lowering the threshold could lead to a global nuclear catastrophe.”“We will have to ensure our security,” he said. Putin also noted that the US appears to show little interest in extending the New START nuclear arms reduction treaty, which expires in 2021. On the economy, Putin hailed another year of Russian growth after a previous period of stagnation.

Source: Egypt Independent December 20, 2018 10:18 UTC