Blinken: China prevented Putin from using nuclear weapons in Ukraine.

China has likely dissuaded Russian leader Vladimir Putin from using nuclear weapons amid the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. Beijing may have directly influenced Moscow. Washington has been extremely concerned about such a threat.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who is leaving his position, stated in an interview with the Financial Times (FT) on January 3 that China dissuaded Putin from using nuclear weapons in Ukraine.

Following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Beijing became Moscow's main ally and financial backer, although China denies accusations of supporting Russia's military efforts. Blinken told FT that China may have intervened when Putin was contemplating nuclear escalation.

"We have reason to believe that China reached out to Russia and said, 'Don't go there,'" Blinken stated.

Blinken expressed that the U.S. was "very concerned" as Putin appeared to be considering a nuclear strike.

"Even if the probability increased from 5 to 15% regarding nuclear weapons, there is nothing more serious," he reported.

He also asserted that China might have intervened in a similar manner after the U.S. warned Beijing that Putin was planning to launch nuclear weapons into space.

Concerns about escalating hostilities with nuclear-armed Russia are a driving factor behind the current U.S. administration's policy toward Ukraine. Under President Joe Biden, the White House has delayed the delivery of certain weapons and has not allowed Kyiv to carry out deep strikes on Russian territory, citing Putin's "red lines."

Putin's Nuclear Threats

Putin initiated a new round of nuclear saber-rattling in late November 2024 after Biden permitted Ukraine to strike certain Russian facilities using U.S.-made long-range weapons. Putin revised Russia's nuclear doctrine, expanding the criteria under which the country could launch a nuclear strike.

Despite these actions, sources in U.S. intelligence stated that the risk of a Russian nuclear strike has not increased and remains unlikely. Blinken defended Biden's report on Russia and Ukraine, asserting that Putin has faced a "strategic defeat" and that NATO has strengthened.

Biden's term is set to end this month as elected U.S. President Donald Trump takes office on January 20. Republican Senator Marco Rubio will replace Blinken as Secretary of State.