In a stark warning to Western nations, President Vladimir Putin cautioned that any deployment of troops to Ukraine could escalate into a nuclear conflict.

Addressing lawmakers and elites, Putin emphasized Russia’s capability to strike targets in the West, escalating tensions amid the Ukraine crisis. He criticized Western interference, accusing leaders of misunderstanding the repercussions of meddling in Russia’s internal affairs.

Referring to French President Emmanuel Macron’s suggestion of NATO ground troops in Ukraine, Putin emphasized Russia’s readiness to retaliate, asserting, “We also have weapons that can hit targets on their territory.” This explicit nuclear threat underscored Moscow’s firm stance against Western intervention.

Putin highlighted Russia’s modernized nuclear arsenal, claiming full readiness of its strategic forces. He cited the deployment of advanced hypersonic weapons, portraying Russia as militarily formidable. Expressing anger, Putin cautioned against underestimating the consequences of war, evoking historical invasions of Russia.

He rebuffed suggestions of Russian aggression beyond Ukraine, dismissing them as “nonsense.” However, he emphasized the need to bolster troops along Russia’s western borders in response to Finland and Sweden’s potential NATO membership.

While open to discussions on nuclear stability with the United States, Putin criticized Western accusations and insinuations. He accused the U.S. of fabricating claims to manipulate negotiations in its favor. Putin suggested that the U.S. aimed to assert global dominance, dismissing allegations of Russian aggression as political maneuvers.

The warning comes amidst Russia’s military advances in Ukraine and rising tensions with the West. Putin’s strong rhetoric underscores Moscow’s determination to resist Western influence and defend its interests. As diplomatic efforts falter and military tensions escalate, the prospect of a peaceful resolution dims, heightening fears of a potential nuclear conflict.