Putin Warns of Nuclear War Risk if West Sends Troops to Ukraine
Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a stark warning to the West, cautioning against the deployment of troops to Ukraine and highlighting the risk of nuclear war. In his annual state of the nation address, Putin dismissed claims that Russia intends to attack Europe as “nonsense,” but emphasized that his country possesses the capability to strike Western targets with nuclear weapons.
The Russian leader’s comments were prompted by French President Emmanuel Macron’s suggestion that Western troops could be sent to Ukraine. However, this idea was swiftly rejected by several European leaders. Putin expressed concern over the potential consequences of such actions, stating, “Everything that they are coming up with now, with which they threaten the entire world – all this really threatens a conflict with the use of nuclear weapons, and therefore the destruction of civilization – don’t they understand this, or what?”
Putin further emphasized that Russia also possesses weapons capable of hitting targets on Western territory. This is not the first time he has raised the specter of nuclear conflict since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine over two years ago. Last year, Russia transferred tactical nuclear weapons to neighboring Belarus, and recent reports suggest that the country is working on developing a nuclear space weapon capable of destroying satellites.
The timing of Putin’s address is significant, as it precedes the upcoming presidential election in Russia on March 17. Putin is expected to secure a fifth term and extend his rule until at least 2030. During his speech, he praised Russia’s military progress and its success in regaining control over territories in Ukraine. He also announced plans to bolster military presence along the country’s Western border in response to NATO expansion following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.
In addition to discussing military matters, Putin highlighted Russia’s economic performance and unveiled new national projects ahead of the presidential election. Despite facing Western sanctions, he claimed that Russia’s economy has outperformed other countries, particularly those in the G7. However, he acknowledged that the country is facing demographic challenges due to social changes, such as young people prioritizing their careers and delaying starting families. To address this issue, Putin announced social support programs for mothers and emphasized the importance of large families with many children.
Putin’s speech also touched on Russian health policy, with the president advising citizens to follow a Soviet-era motto of “Stop drinking, start skiing.” He praised those who have served in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, referring to them as Russia’s “true, real elite.” In contrast, he criticized individuals who profited from economic processes during the 1990s while the Soviet Union was crumbling.
As tensions continue to rise between Russia and the West, Putin’s warning serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of military intervention in Ukraine. The international community must carefully consider the implications of their actions to avoid further escalation and the devastating possibility of nuclear conflict.
