Putin Warns of Global Nuclear War if West Sends Troops to Ukraine
Russian President Vladimir Putin has escalated his threats against Western nations, cautioning that any deployment of troops to Ukraine risks sparking a global nuclear conflict.
Putin issued this ominous warning during his annual state of the nation address, delivered at Moscow's Gostiny Dvor conference center, ahead of an upcoming presidential election where he is poised for victory. The speech, which lasted over two hours, covered a wide range of topics, but Putin's emphasis was on cautioning against increased Western involvement in Ukraine.
The Russian leader's remarks came after French President Emmanuel Macron's suggestion that NATO allies could consider sending troops to Ukraine, a proposal swiftly rebuffed by the United States and others. Putin condemned such a move, asserting that it could lead to catastrophic consequences, including the use of nuclear weapons.
Putin emphasized the readiness of Russia's strategic nuclear forces and hinted at the advancement of hypersonic nuclear weaponry, while refuting U.S. intelligence claims that Russia is developing space-based nuclear weapons.
Critics view Putin's warning as one of his most direct and pointed to date, given the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the geopolitical tensions between Russia and Western nations. Macron's suggestion of potential troop deployments was seen as a propaganda victory for Putin, bolstering his narrative of Russia's confrontation with the collective West.
The timing of Putin's address is significant, coinciding with the second anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The outcome of the American election is also crucial, with Putin expressing preference for incumbent President Joe Biden despite past tensions over former President Donald Trump.
The address occurs amidst mourning for Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, whose death in custody has raised international scrutiny and condemnation. Navalny's absence leaves Putin virtually unchallenged in the upcoming election, further solidifying his grip on power.
As tensions escalate and geopolitical dynamics shift, Putin's warning serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of military escalation in Ukraine and the broader implications for global security.
