President of Russia Vladimir Putin holding a press conference in Tajikistan. TASS/Yonhap News.

With U.S. President Donald Trump's bid for the Nobel Peace Prize falling short, Russian President Vladimir Putin pointed out on Oct. 10 (local time) that the Nobel Committee's credibility has been undermined.

According to Russia's TASS news agency and others, Putin stated at a press conference following the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) summit in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, "There have been instances where the Nobel Committee has awarded the Peace Prize to individuals who have done nothing for peace," adding, "With such decisions, they have significantly undermined the credibility of this prize."

Regarding Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado being selected as this year's Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Putin said, "It is not for me to decide who receives the Nobel Prize," and made these remarks.

The Nobel Committee awarded the Peace Prize in 2021 and 2022 to Russian journalist Dmitry Muratov, a critic of the Russian government, and the civil society group Memorial, respectively. The current laureate, Machado, stands against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, a leader with a friendly relationship with Putin, who also attended Russia's Victory Day parade in May.

Putin highly praised President Trump, stating that he is doing a lot for peace. "The situation in the Middle East is the best example. If everything that Donald plans, says, and strives for is realized, it will be a historic moment," he said.

"From the outset, I have supported the plan of the United States and President Trump (for a peace initiative in Gaza)," he said, emphasizing, "The establishment of a Palestinian state is one of the key tasks."

Putin further added, "We and our Arab friends, especially Palestine, share deep trust," and "Given the level of trust, we are willing to join President Trump's efforts to implement the plan to resolve the conflict in Gaza."

He then added that Russia could say and propose something to resolve issues arising in the implementation of the agreement, stating, "We believe our participation could be important."

Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump. Reuters/Yonhap News.

Regarding reports that the United States is considering Ukraine's request for Tomahawk missile support, he responded, "Our response will be to strengthen our air defense systems." He criticized the U.S. discussion of providing Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine as "a show of force that amounts to intimidation."

If Ukraine receives Tomahawk missiles, the Russian capital, Moscow, would also come within their range.

Putin announced on the same day that Russia has already entered into a nuclear arms race with major world powers, including the United States, and will soon unveil new types of weapons.

When asked if Russia would be prepared if the United States conducted a nuclear weapon test, he replied, "Some countries are considering such weapons tests," and stated that if other countries test nuclear weapons, Russia would be prepared to do the same.

"The novelty of our nuclear deterrent is higher than that of any other nuclear power," he said, adding that the new weapons Russia had previously mentioned are under active development and have been successfully tested, and that "there will be opportunities to announce new weapons in the near future."

Regarding negotiations with the United States on disarmament issues, he said, "We are ready to negotiate if the United States finds it acceptable and useful. If not, then unfortunately, (negotiations) are not possible."

Last month, Putin proposed to the United States that the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START), which limits the number of strategic nuclear weapons, be extended by one year, but has not yet received a response from the U.S. side. This treaty expires in February of next year.

Putin stated that if the U.S. does not accept the extension, it would be "unfortunate" as it would leave no measures to curb nuclear weapons, but added, "It is not critical for us at all. We are proceeding with everything on this issue as planned."

Putin, who is on a state visit to Tajikistan for three days starting the 8th, has attended the Russia-Central Asia summit and the CIS summit consecutively.

Yonhap News Agency