Vladimir Putin has warned he is “ready” to use nuclear weapons if Western forces, particularly the US, deploy troops into Ukraine.
Speaking to Rossiya-1 television and news agency RIA, the Russian leader expressed his belief that nuclear conflict isn’t imminent but emphasized his readiness to initiate missile launches nonetheless. This marks the 11th instance of Putin issuing a nuclear warning since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began, with three of these warnings occurring in the past month.
This statement follows French President Emmanuel Macron’s earlier remarks suggesting the possibility of sending troops to Ukraine, although he later clarified that there were no concrete plans to do so.
Additionally, Putin announced intentions to deploy soldiers to the border with Finland following Finland’s recent entry into NATO, effectively increasing the alliance’s border with Russia.
“We didn’t have troops there [at Finland’s border], now they will be there,” Putin said. “There were no systems of destruction there, now they will appear.”
Last month, Putin authorized the reestablishment of the Leningrad Military District (LMD), aimed at maintaining a military presence along Russia’s northwestern border with NATO.
