Russian permanent rep to UN on use of nuclear weapons: God forbid it

NEW YORK/UN. March 1 (Interfax) - Russian Permanent Representative to the United Nations Vasily Nebenzya has said he is hoping that the Ukraine crisis will not lead to the use of nuclear weapons.

"On the use of nuclear weapons: God forbid it," Nebenzya said at a press conference at the United Nations on Monday in response to a question when and under what circumstances Russia would be ready to use nuclear weapons.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered that the Russian deterrence forces be put on high alert "because we saw some disturbing statements from NATO leaders," he said.

As to when Russia's military operation in Ukraine will be over, Nebenzya said, "As soon as we have understanding from the Ukrainian authorities that they are prepared to demilitarize and to denazify, if I may use that kind of verb in English, that'll be a step towards the end of it."