Blinken condemns Putin's inflammatory language regarding nuclear weapons.

• Antony Blinken, the Secretary of State, criticized Putin's rhetoric regarding Moscow's nuclear stance.
• Blinken stated that the use of provocative language regarding nuclear weapons is highly irresponsible.
• The majority of the world's nuclear weapons are held by the United States and Russia.

Antony Blinken, the Secretary of State, condemned Vladimir Putin's language regarding Russia's nuclear stance and cautioned against any misunderstandings.

At the State Department, Blinken stated that using provocative language regarding nuclear weapons is highly irresponsible.

The nation's top diplomat stated that it's risky and increases the likelihood of miscalculation, while the U.S. has not made any changes to its nuclear strategy.

The lion's share of the world's combined nuclear weapons inventory is owned by the United States and Russia, with approximately 4,000 warheads each.

John Kirby, a spokesman at the Pentagon, also expressed similar sentiments to Putin's rhetoric being unacceptable on Wednesday.

Kirby stated that the use of provocative rhetoric and potential alterations to nuclear posture involving the most significant weapons in our respective arsenals are unacceptable.

Austin delayed the Minuteman III launch to demonstrate responsible nuclear power, as Kirby stated.

Kirby stated that the move is not a step back in readiness and does not mean that other routine activities will be canceled to maintain a credible nuclear capability. The US remains confident in its current strategic posture.

On Sunday, Putin raised Russia's nuclear forces to high alert due to tensions with the West over Ukraine. He cited NATO's "aggressive statements" as the reason for the decision.

A senior Biden administration official deemed Putin's nuclear deterrence references as "escalatory and unnecessary" last week.

The official stated to NBC News that Putin has consistently fabricated threats to rationalize his aggressive actions in the conflict. According to the official, Putin never faced any threat from Ukraine or NATO, which is a defensive alliance that has no intention of engaging in combat in Ukraine.