Would Putin start a world war? Ukraine has won back more land after months of fighting. Some fear what Vladimir Putin will do to avoid losing the war.
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Losses for Russia raise nuclear attack fears
Would Putin start a world war? Ukraine has won back more land after months of fighting. Some fear what Vladimir Putin will do to avoid losing the war.
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What's happening?
Early in the morning, President Vladimir Putin appeared on television screens across Russia. He had a worrying message. More soldiers would be called up to fight in the war in UkraineA country in Eastern Europe. It was invaded by Russia in February 2022. . And if this does not work, Russia will use all of the weapons it has - perhaps even nuclear weaponsA bomb or other weapon that uses nuclear energy to cause a big explosion. - to win.
It has now been more than six months since Russian soldiers invadedWhen an army enters a country or place to take it over. Ukraine. Many thought that Russia would take control of the country quickly. But that did not happen.
In the last few days, Ukraine has won more land back from Russia. Ukraine is looking closer to winning the war than ever.
Some fear what Vladimir Putin might do to avoidKeep away from something. losing. Russia has many nuclear weapons. They can cause a lot of damage.
But using them is risky. Many countries have sent money and supplies to Ukraine already.
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If Russia uses nuclear weapons in Ukraine, other countries might go further to help Ukraine. They would want to send a message that Russia cannot use nuclear weapons anywhere. It could make the war even bigger than it is now.
Would Putin start a world war?
Yes! He might not mean to start a world war. But he does not want to lose either. If Putin uses nuclear weapons in Ukraine, other countries must respond.
No! Vladimir Putin knows the risks. He does not want other countries to start fighting too. He will not dare to use nuclear weapons.
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Keywords
Ukraine - A country in Eastern Europe. It was invaded by Russia in February 2022.
Nuclear weapons - A bomb or other weapon that uses nuclear energy to cause a big explosion.
Invaded - When an army enters a country or place to take it over.
Avoid - Keep away from something.
Losses for Russia raise nuclear attack fears
Desperate? The world will not allow Putin (above) to use nuclear weapons, says Ukraine's president. Glossary
Ukraine - A country in Eastern Europe. It was invaded by Russia in February 2022.
Nuclear weapons - A bomb or other weapon that uses nuclear energy to cause a big explosion.
Invaded - When an army enters a country or place to take it over.
Avoid - Keep away from something.