New Delhi: Russia’s defence minister said there is “no need” for Moscow to use nuclear weapons in the crisis in Ukraine. He called media reports that Moscow would use chemical or nuclear weapons “total nonsense.”

“From a military point of view, there is no need to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine to achieve the set goals. The main purpose of Russian nuclear weapons is to deter a nuclear attack,” Sergei Shoigu said during a speech at an international security conference in Moscow.

“The media are spreading speculation about the alleged use of Russian tactical nuclear weapons in the course of the special military operation, or about the readiness to use chemical weapons. All these informational attacks are absolute lies.”

Shoigu also said that NATO had “many times over” boosted its troop deployment in eastern and central Europe and that military operation against Ukraine were being planned by the US and UK.

Referring to the New START Treaty to control U.S. and Russian nuclear arms, Shoigu said talks to extend the treaty were “a two-way street”, and the situation around it was “difficult”.

“A difficult situation is also developing with regard to the Treaty on the Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms. The agreement remains in force until 2026,” Shoigu added.

“On the Russian side, obligations are being fulfilled, the declared levels of carriers and warheads are maintained within the established limits.”