Russia's decision to put nuclear forces on high alert is part of 'pattern' of 'manufacturing threats' - Psaki

White House press secretary Jen Psaki said in an interview with ABC, when commenting on Russian President Putin's statement on Sunday about Russia's possible use of nuclear weapons, Ukrinform reports.

“This is really a pattern that we've seen from President Putin through the course of this conflict, which is manufacturing threats that don't exist in order to justify further aggression," Psaki told ABC.

"We've seen him do this time and time again," Psaki said. "At no point has Russia been under threat from NATO, has Russia been under threat from Ukraine. This is all a pattern from President Putin”.

Psaki also noted that Washington continues to consider imposing sanctions on Russia's energy sector. However, their introduction must first ensure that the impact of energy sanctions against Russia has a minimal effect on the global energy market.

As reported, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced Sunday he had ordered his military to put Russia's nuclear deterrent forces in a state of increased readiness in response to what he called "aggressive statements" from NATO countries.

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