Putin says West sending troops to Ukraine could lead to nuclear war
By Aaron Elekwachi
Russian President Vladimir Putin has delivered a stark warning to the West, cautioning against the deployment of troops to support Ukraine and hinting at the potential for nuclear conflict. During his annual state of the nation address, Putin dismissed allegations of Russia's intentions to attack Europe as unfounded but emphasized the readiness of Russia's nuclear arsenal to strike Western targets if necessary.
The address comes in response to French President Emmanuel Macron's proposal of sending Western troops to Ukraine, a move Putin views as provocative and potentially leading to dire consequences. He highlighted the grave risk of a nuclear conflict, urging Western leaders to grasp the severity of their actions.
Putin underscored Russia's capability to target Western territories with nuclear weapons and criticized what he perceives as a lack of comprehension among Western leaders regarding the potential ramifications of their decisions.
While Macron's suggestion has faced skepticism from other European leaders, Lithuania's foreign minister voiced support for non-combat assistance to Ukraine, such as training and logistical aid.
Putin's lengthy address, spanning over two hours, coincides with Russia's upcoming presidential election, where he is widely expected to secure another term. He praised Russia's military advances in Ukraine and outlined plans to fortify its borders in response to NATO expansion.
Despite facing economic sanctions from the West, Putin boasted of Russia's economic resilience compared to other nations. He also addressed domestic concerns, including declining birth rates, by advocating for family support programs and promoting healthy lifestyles.
The conclusion of Putin's speech included recognition for those involved in Russia's military operations in Ukraine, portraying them as the true elite of Russian society. He juxtaposed them with individuals who profited during the economic turmoil of the 1990s, positioning military personnel as guardians of Russia's interests.
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