Kirby: ‘Irresponsible’ For Putin To Be Talking About The Potential Use Of Nuclear Weapons

White House National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby joins Andrea Mitchell with his reaction to Vladimir Putin hinting at nuclear retaliation against the West if they threaten Russia’s sovereignty. “He's a modern nuclear power, and it's just irresponsible for him to be talking about the potential use of nuclear weapons or any weapons of mass destruction,” says Kirby. "We're monitoring this as closely as we can," he adds, but "we have no indications that we need to change our strategic deterrent posture."
» Subscribe to MSNBC: on.msnbc.com/SubscribeTomsnbc
Follow the MSNBC Midterms Elections guide to the important races across the United States as Americans prepare to cast their votes.
Countdown to the Midterms: on.msnbc.com/3KlULq8
Follow MSNBC Show Blogs
MaddowBlog: www.msnbc.com/maddowblog
ReidOut Blog: www.msnbc.com/reidoutblog
MSNBC delivers breaking news, in-depth analysis of politics headlines, as well as commentary and informed perspectives. Find video clips and segments from The Rachel Maddow Show, Morning Joe, The Beat with Ari Melber, Deadline: White House, The ReidOut, All In, Last Word, 11th Hour, and Alex Wagner who brings her breadth of reporting experience to MSNBC primetime. Watch “Alex Wagner Tonight” Tuesday through Friday at 9pm Eastern.
Connect with MSNBC Online
Visit msnbc.com: on.msnbc.com/Readmsnbc
Subscribe to the MSNBC Daily Newsletter: MSNBC.com/NewslettersKZbin
Find MSNBC on Facebook: on.msnbc.com/Likemsnbc
Follow MSNBC on Twitter: on.msnbc.com/Followmsnbc
Follow MSNBC on Instagram: on.msnbc.com/Instamsnbc
#Putin #Russia #Ukraine

[@TRE45ON.is.Bat5hit.Crazy.U.S.G]

The best indication that things are going well for Ukraine is when there are masses of Putin bots telling us the offensive has failed. Thanks for the confirmation!

[@ManuelGarcia-cd1hk]

Are you Zelensky using a fake name? Ukraine is being destroyed slowly. They have already lost 4 provinces. A referendum is taking place to annex those areas to Russia. Come Winter and not even the gas that you spew could keep Europe warm without Russian oil.

[@letXeqX]

they got to hit their quota of 600 posts a day or they don't get paid.

[@letXeqX]

@@Stardustpal25 What does the UM stand for? Is it US outlying islands? I see it quite often.

[@ManuelGarcia-cd1hk]

If "Putin Bots" are telling you one thing, believe the opposite. In Russia you do not say anything that goes against the party line.

[@stevin47]

but trump says putin is a genius

[@anamerican8399]

Yeah, “The two Geniuses” and hopefully both putin and trump will be in Prison soon

[@arthurr7866]

Both men are cut from the same mold. They are insane and have an insatiable desire for power at the expense of their nation. Remove both of them and lock them up together in a prison deep in Siberia. In another time in world history they would be executed.

[@hiltonwatkins6750]

What does that tell you about Trump? Why do Americans have difficulty connecting a vote for Republicans as a vote to surrender to Putin’s Russia. A disaster for the world.

[@almitrahopkins1873]

Consider your source. To a baboon, a chimpanzee is a genius.

[@davidnewland2461]

Well in his defense Trump is amazingly stupid there's no rndvto to his stupidity just because he can manipulate the less intelligent that doesn't make him smart he's gotten away with a lot and he never learned there are limits to what you can buy your way out of problems lawyers can only fix his whining about being a victim uasveotked in the past but he didn't know what the limits were.

[@TRE45ON.is.Bat5hit.Crazy.U.S.G]

This affirms that there should be no negotiations with the Russian state at all. The Ukrainians need to be given all they need to drive them out of their land totally and completely. Also the sanctions should not be halted at all until this terrorist regime is gone and Russia no longer poses any threat at all.

[@dgyoutube2405]

Lmfao

[@jayc1139]

The sanctions should be kept in place indefinitely.

[@almitrahopkins1873]

@@jayc1139 No, just as long as Putin is in power. Make it clearly known that is the condition for lifting them in Russia.

[@dgyoutube2405]

@@jayc1139 lol you do realize joe and the leftist global climate warming fools have paid for this war? You cut the oil production and drove the price of oil sky high while fartin sits over there counting money.

[@dietrichvarez1720]

Putin is a real leader! 💪🍺🍺

[@jackl4laughs]

He has no other options and is getting embarrassed in Ukraine. Though I'm not sure how sending more troops in helps, when you still haven't equipped the original troops with boots or ammunition and winter is coming. Seems you're negligently sending Russias men to die for nothing...

[@donnamoore5977]

It was nothing from the start.

[@SeekingTheLoveThatGodMeans7648]

@@donnamoore5977 There have been many mad wars in the world.

[@iainherridge6253]

Narcissists can't be wrong, so the little ex KGB nerd is sending them to die for his EGO!

[@mboy4211]

Looking bad for Putin

[@hiltonwatkins6750]

I wonder if a complete rejection of Republicans in the mid terms would send such a strong signal Putin would give in to the fair idea of allowing Ukraine the same sovereignty as other countries in the world. The West is never going to allow such an unacceptable situation to win, so he might as well haul out his nukes. Show us yours and we will show you ours… about 5 minutes before they land in all goverment facilities in Russia.

[@Caocao8888]

With Putin’s access to nuclear weapons, it looks worse for the entire globe. 😥

[@LuisAlvarez-cj8tm]

@@Caocao8888 😢

[@clairerobinson7658]

Admiral Kirby is an excellent communicator. His new role is quite an asset to Biden’s administration.

[@BlueBearOne]

Agreed. He has been put into really hard situations that have to be handled with masterful, precise, and eloquent oratory skill. He has done really well.

[@lahy1060]

The US and NATO must show strength to Putin, it's the only language that he can understand. Remember, weakness invites aggression. And fear invites nuclear blackmail. Therefore, we MUST NOT show weakness and fear.

[@mr.know-it-all.6864]

Having a weak POS as occupier of the Oval Office brought this insanity.

[@iainherridge6253]

@Andrew You know nought of what you type about, NOW sit back down as your short bus will be along soon!

[@epipolarus]

That's stupid. In the cold war era, US had been very carefully managing foreign policies for fear of nuclear war. Was that weakness? or being responsible? Nuclear is no joke, once released it's the end of the world. The line between being brave and being stupid is thin.

[@sookie_the_fairy]

Kirby would make an excellent President! He's like another Reagan. Charisma! 🇺🇸 🇺🇦 🌎 ✌

[@iainherridge6253]

So you've never seen one of Reagan's B grade movies then?

[@sookie_the_fairy]

@@iainherridge6253 Aww!! You burned me!! Haha!! Thanks for replying brother! 🇺🇸 🇺🇦 🌎 ✌

[@711Arigna]

Putin just like Donald Trump bababababababab

[@mikebrigs1218]

PUTINS GOT NUKES??? GUESS HE PUT THAT URANIUM 1 THAT HILLARY SOLD HIM TO USE.

[@chriscorbin1055]

Wow. We wouldn't be in this mess in the first place. Biden= high inflation, weak border, higher gas, groceries, housing,goods. ECT. Bla,bla,bla.

[@s.o.s.exploration2412]

If you don't give your people a voice chaos often is the end result...

[@4_EverLucky]

When has putin ever been responsible? Never! U.S. & NATO need to send more weapons & machinery to Ukraine now! Glory to Ukraine 🇺🇦💙💛🗽

[@almitrahopkins1873]

Troops too. There are more than a quarter of a million in the countries bordering Belarus and Russia. They’re fully-equipped, well-trained and ready to go.

[@dietrichvarez1720]

Putin is powerful! 💪🍺🍺

[@davidnewland2461]

There are many more Ukrainian's those people are fighting for their homes. I don't think they'll quit Putin is willing to sacrifice his people for the sake of his ego Russia will be a pariahvifche continues sacrificingvhis counttymen.

[@davidnewland2461]

Yesvthe us needs tohe keep vou at it and see Russia yruely spanked vas long as no one is providing Russia with money put is hosed. This is where China might come in. The thing that has to happen if china steps in is American's are going to have to quit chuy ing cheap Chinese crap.

[@4_EverLucky]

@@dietrichvarez1720 you aren’t voting for Rump in another country, troll!

[@btonemajor2703]

Everyone around Russia should be stand-by and a pre-emptive strike is not a bad idea, if he continues this tone. He threatened nuclear warfare, is stuck in a Soviet-mindstate and is NOT speaking for his entire country. It's only logical to react in a fitting manner 💯💯

[@2btpatch]

A pre-emptive strike where? Against whom? Are you sure you could get all Putin’s nukes or the ability to deploy them in a pre-emptive strike? Because you had better be sure.

[@j.m.9703]

Any strike is the beginning of the end of civilization, no matter who or where. The lucky will be close enough to die instantly, the rest of the world slowly as a result of the ensuing Nuclear Winter. Horrible reality.

[@urkiddingme6254]

Some are claiming here that Kirby has no military experience, without bothering to check facts. Here is the military background of Rear Admiral Kirby Kirby commissioned in the U.S. Navy in September 1986 after completing Officer Candidate School at Newport, R.I. He served in uniform for more than 28 years, before retiring in 2015 at the rank of Rear Admiral. His naval career included duty at sea and ashore, including deployments to the Middle East and Mediterranean. His last Navy posting was as Chief of Navy Information, where he served as the principal spokesman for the Department of the Navy.

[@Monkey341]

What about Liz Truss threatening Russia with nuclear weapons? Not irresponsible?

[@michaelmaher4154]

Watched this happen once before. When do the crappy tanks show up on red square.

[@ericjohnson3746]

If he did referendum before invasion some might view his operation differently. He failed with that tactic. Also would nuclear action generate literal nuclear fallout from his own weapons back onto Russian territory?

[@martinwhalley3286]

Putin has wanted this since he found himself at the Dresden desk when the Wall fell in '89 and the Premier became the President.

[@kensanity178]

I can see why Trump likes Putin. They think alike.

[@ThomasShelby-xz2fk]

They both are pathological liars

[@Dozz70]

@@ThomasShelby-xz2fk and Morons.....he actually believes Russia can survive Nuke Attack. No one will. If they fly them we all die

[@iainherridge6253]

Not even so sure they THINK!

[@qzorn4440]

and both going down.

[@Noobmaster-yc2pf]

@@ThomasShelby-xz2fk So is creepy joe.

[@parslowpongbert1566]

Calling Putin “irresponsible” is like calling a serial killer “unpleasant”.

[@kennyc6597]

Maybe the globalist should leave Russian alone.

[@DeepMeditationMusic1]

I hope peace gets established in all parts of the world including between Ukraine and Russia. Nothing good has ever been achieved by hatred, war and bloodshed. Only love can drive out darkness.

[@anamerican8399]

Love and a Sword when necessary 🇺🇸

[@mylittlebook6177]

So what Def Com are we at?....

[@lahy1060]

It is urgent for the US and NATO member countries along with their allies and partners to increase financial and military aids to Ukraine so it can defeat the Putin's barbaric regime to liberate its citizens and its entire territory. Ukraine needs F-15s, F-16s, F-18s, A-10s, M1, Leopard 2s and Marder battle tanks, armored vehicles, M777, ATACMS HIMARS, etc. Glory to Ukraine!

[@martinwhalley3286]

The price of protest in Russia is very high

[@azjeep]

people are saying its not 300,000 it 1,000,000 ....

[@claudelebel49]

I am thinking that some of the police must questioning their roles: arresting and incarcerating peaceful protesters? How many will they incarcerate? If more and more keep doing it, they would soon be overwhelmed.

[@stalker7892]

Pull out the stops!

[@lahy1060]

The US and NATO should not be fooled by Putin's announcement of partial mobilization of 300,000 reservists, it is a full mobilization as many people reported that young men without any military background also got summoned to the commissariat. Therefore, the US and NATO need to train more Ukrainian fighters. Each NATO member country should train 10,000 new Ukrainian fighters every three months, combat soldiers need three months of training, medic and logistic soldiers need 1-2 months of training should be sufficient.

[@dandsw9750]

In 2012 years ago

[@SeekingTheLoveThatGodMeans7648]

Radioactivity is like karma. It comes back on you.

[@lesleyghostdragon3149]

John Kirby😍

[@sookie_the_fairy]

John Kirby for President 2024!! 🇺🇸 🇺🇦 🌎 ✌

[@eliassalcedo5229]

One life to live, definitely not for Putins multi millions bank account.

[@hare1729]

Threatening nuclear weapons is just weakness

[@shoeshoplabor9945]

In future could you not show any numbers on trucks etc from Russia in the press? In case there may be coordinates or latitude drops by the FSB. Thanks.

[@tomhartke4049]

Is Putin perhaps manic depressive over the unrelenting bull that faces him at every turn,as every leader is? Does he feel he has nothing to lose?

[@catalinacurio]

Manic depressives have episodes of extreme highs, I haven’t seen this with Putin, he’s more than likely a psychopath.

[@Caocao8888]

Irresponsible? Hardly! Putin is acting more like a madman. 💀

[@4_EverLucky]

Those Russian men who are threatened to go to war should surrender rather than be cannon fodder immediately! Glory to Ukraine 🇺🇦

[@petrus3370]

Putin's KGB superior was worried about a one peticular trait in Putin's psyche: Putin knows no fear. Even the KGB officer thought that was a concern.

[@lynnrunningdeer7364]

Seriously???? Dude sits fifty feet away from everyone else🤣🤣🤣🤣. That's true paranoia and fear.

[@vercoda9997]

Anyone who doesn't feel fear is a fool, or a madman, or both.

[@lynnrunningdeer7364]

@@vercoda9997 that may be true but when you sit more than fifty feet away from everyone else, that speaks volumes.

[@iainherridge6253]

He was also only a KGB files clerk & considered to be rather nerdy!

[@letXeqX]

@@lynnrunningdeer7364 solid answer.

[@CycloneGU]

Someone get him out. Now. I don't care what has to be done. Get him out. We will all pay if you don't.

[@dasstigma]

Yea, talking about nukes is irresponsible, it was ok up to this point, but this is irresponsible...

[@donnamoore5977]

He’s a coward like his homie DT 😂😂😂😂

[@lahy1060]

The reason why Putin has not used tactical nuclear weapons in Ukraine thus far is because he fears that the US and NATO may respond in kind. Thus, President Biden must make it clear to Putin and his nuclear launching chain of command that the US and NATO will respond decisively and swiftly if Putin resorts to using nuclear weapons; because, when he dares to launch one, he can launch many. Therefore, the US and NATO must be prepared in advance for this possibility.

[@4_EverLucky]

US & NATO have been ready

[@ericulric223]

I quite remember much protest against intervention in Iraq. Honestly the reason why morally you can't really favor any side is every single side here is guilty in some way shape or form.

[@Me97202]

Irresponsible and desperate. The threat makes Putin look weak.

[@glz1]

Putin Putin Putin what a waste

[@davidmhale521]

Sounds like another weapons of mass destruction story.

[@dgcconn4213]

This is how this should play out, NATO statement to Russia, Thank you Mr. Putty for all your bluster. Now a statement from us: With all your sham referendum talk and nuclear sabre rattling, we've decided to fast track Ukraine into the alliance. We are, in addition, establishing plans for two NATO bases in Ukraine, one in Lviv and the other in Kyiv. We have plans for a 3rd. NATO base in Sevastopol once Ukrainian military liberates Crimea. This is not a bluff.

[@RiDankulous]

I'm certain the US nuclear forces are ready to respond. Imagine 100,000 Russian troops in Crimean peninsula dying from a counterattack.

[@stitchcrafter]

The subject of women being punished for not wearing hijabs is parallel to what's going on here with women's right to bodily autonomy. Sounds a bit hypocritical tho be speaking out against the Iranian policies w/o also mentioning our own struggle for women's rights.

[@ghostface2156]

hijabs and bodily autonomy are not the same. You can control your body to avoid getting pregnant and you have like 20 different methods. Stop making it about you the women are being forced to wear hijabs actually suffering.

[@deborahfreedman333]

Do you think the abortion laws in Iran are lenient? You can only get an abortion there, if a panel including clerics, says your life depends on it. And the death penalty can be given for getting an illegal abortion. The UN condemned this last year.

[@ghostface2156]

@@deborahfreedman333 What does iran laws have to do with other countries?

[@MrBadassc8]

Both of the Russian oligarchy are racing to be doomed.

[@R1GAMBLER]

💵💰 *SLAVA RAYTHEON!!!* 💥💀

[@AyKlay]

Iran is not a threat, nor is North Korea. Worry about Russia.....

[@ohmy5650]

He may be sensing his life's ending, giving rise to frustrations & an attempt to make up for them. Anyone can feel the same when sensing life's end, we may just feel grateful if when our time comes we won't attempt against others' welfare because of making up. We could pray though that he finds a wiser alternative. He'll be gone some time will he nill he, but we'll have prayed for his best possible welfare while alive. Chances are this helps secure ours.

[@nelson_rebel3907]

Theres nothing to negotiate. Russia attacked a sovereign territory. Ukraine should have never given up its nukes in the first place. No nation should de-arm whatsoever thats what this conflict has proven.

[@silverfletcher2560]

This tyrant must disappear!

[@R1GAMBLER]

"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." - William J. Casey, CIA Director (1981)

[@globalbrigade3052]

I like how its okay for the west to behave however they want. But the moment they get a little counter they throw a tantrum. Reminds me of when i was a kid. Had a snowball fight with my little brother. He had so much fun throwing snowballs after me, but the moment i threw one back he started to cry like "you can't do that"... Bacisly what the west is doing now. And befor you call me a putanist or whatever - i currently live in EU, and seen both sides of the coin.

[@ManuelGarcia-cd1hk]

STEVIN 47 wants to know if Putin is paying me with Russian money. Steven, 47 must be your IQ. The way we are going with Biden, it might be a good idea to get paid with anything but dollars.

[@martinkurek1940]

I don't like this Kirby. Very spoiled person and seems too confident to me like we're all going to live forever or at least he is. He never been in battle. He's just a human resources admin guy, nothing more in a suit.

[@hlnbee]

🇺🇦🇺🇸🇺🇦🇺🇸🇺🇦🇺🇸🇺🇦

[@albertmisic3876]

As someone who is an expert on this topic i have to say that Russia is in big problem in Ukraine if they don't send minimum 200 000 men and modern weapons. With current military situation the war will be over in two years and winer will be Ukraine. Next year Ukrainians will get Zaporozje and Herson regions, and year after the they will occupy Donjeck and Lugansk oblast. Ukrainians will not try to back Crimea because of Russian big fleet there in Sevastopol. This is very important strategic Russian position and Ukrainians know that.

[@normanstevens4924]

Ukraine has indicated that this war will not end until Russia has been thrown out of the whole of their territory including Crimea.

[@ZOIZENWRITER]

but can Ukraine win?

[@iainherridge6253]

They've already WON, now it's just about getting the little ex KGB nerd to acknowledge it!

[@spar2kisshale50]

The World Is Fuked!

[@LuisAlbertoRodriguezGoff]

I do not see the GOP talking about how manly Russia’s army is compared to ours, and insinuating that we should strive to make our army more like theirs, why would that be?… Sckrs.

[@johndexter1421]

The United States should not be talking about women’s rights, they have non. Men are telling them what they might do, with their body’s? Freedom?

[@kayssehadji3734]

Fake news

[@markbishop1138]

Any countries can call for a Draft to serve in its miltary.

[@TrumpMakesLeftiesCryAgain]

Thank you Putin for lowering gas prices and ending the pandemic

[@mikebrigs1218]

THANKS PUTIN. IM SO GLAD BIDEN BOUGHT OIL FROM YOU TO FUND THE WAR IN UKRAINE.

[@brianday977]

Putin had nothing to do with either.

[@mikeainsworth5810]

🤣

[@MrTommyboy68]

Ah, yes, ANOTHER poor paid Russian disinformation troll bot.

[@horatiocaine9758]

Move to Russia then!

[@elmermuff2150]

The SOONER GLOBAL WARMING WIPES OUT EVERYTHING THE BETTER! IF I'M GOD AT THIS POINT I'D HAVE TO BE DISGUSTED BY WHAT WE DO TO EACH OTHER! ♥🕇

[@vercoda9997]

Off you go then. Don't feel obliged to continue Your existence on Our account, if you hate Life so much.