TOKYO, October 28. /TASS/. The Japanese government is aware of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s remarks on the possibility of a nuclear conflict at a plenary session of the Valdai Discussion Club, Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi said at a regular press conference on Friday.
"We are aware of President Putin’s remarks at the Valdai session," he said, replying to a journalist’s question who noted that Putin refrained from specific comments on the possibility of a nuclear conflict. The Japanese top diplomat reiterated that Tokyo does not acknowledge Russia’s statements that Ukraine is getting ready to use a "dirty bomb." "In any case, we think that any attempts by Russia to raise the level of escalation are inexcusable," he added, stressing that Japan, being the only country worldwide ever affected by nuclear bombardments, will continue to closely cooperate with the international community on the nuclear issue.
On Thursday, at the Valdai Club’s plenary session, Putin did not comment on the possibility of a nuclear conflict. The event’s moderator, Valdai Research Director Fyodor Lukyanov noted the emergence of the "nuclear factor" over recent months. "Many people got a little nervous recalling your remarks here, at our event four years ago that we all would go to heaven. We are in no hurry, right?" he asked the head of state, adding: "You paused pensively, and this raised some alarm." "I deliberately paused and contemplated for you to be alarmed. So, the effect has been achieved," Putin specified.
Earlier, Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that the Kremlin would not develop the issue of nuclear escalation and those who discuss it, act irresponsibly. Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova emphasized that the US and other Western countries may be interested in exacerbating the situation around the use of nuclear weapons to shift the blame on Moscow.
On Monday, Chief of Russian Radiation, Chemical, and Biological Protection Force Igor Kirillov said at a briefing that the Russian Defense Ministry had readied its forces and means for operations "under the conditions of radioactive contamination" since it received information on Kiev’s willingness to use a "dirty bomb" false flag. This threat was also noted by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and this issue was raised by Russia at the UN Security Council. Earlier, Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu held phone talks with his colleagues in the UK, the US, Turkey and France, cautioning them about the "dirty bomb" threat on the part of Ukraine. However, Washington, London and Paris asserted that they did not trust the Russian information.