Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a stark warning of the “real” risk of nuclear war if Western countries send troops to fight in Ukraine during his annual address to the nation, just two weeks ahead of the presidential election.
In his address to parliament and senior elites, Putin highlighted the potential consequences of NATO military contingents entering Ukraine. He cautioned against such actions, referencing historical attempts by foreign forces to invade Russia.
“There has been talk about the possibility of sending NATO military contingents to Ukraine. But we remember the fate of those who once sent their contingents to our country’s territory. But now the consequences for possible interventionists will be far more tragic,” Putin stated.
He emphasized Russia’s possession of weapons capable of reaching targets on foreign territory, warning that such actions could lead to a conflict with the use of nuclear weapons and the potential destruction of civilization.
Putin’s warning follows French President Emmanuel Macron’s proposal for European NATO members to send ground troops to Ukraine, a move rejected by the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, and other NATO members.
The Russian leader reminded Western leaders of the historical failures of figures like Germany’s Adolf Hitler and France’s Napoleon Bonaparte, who attempted unsuccessfully to invade Russia in the past.
This warning from Putin comes amid heightened tensions between Russia and the West, exacerbated by Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. Despite these tensions, Putin stated that Russia remains “ready” for dialogue with the US on issues of “strategic stability.”
Putin had previously withdrawn Russia from the START arms control treaty with the US, and has emphasized that he is “not bluffing” when discussing the readiness to use nuclear weapons. This address marks one of Putin’s most explicit warnings about the risks of a direct confrontation between NATO and Russia.
