Putin Warns Of Nuclear Strikes Against West If Nations Intervene Militarily In Ukraine

Key Points

• Putin issues explicit threat of nuclear strikes against Western nations amid Ukraine conflict.
• French President Macron's suggestion of NATO ground troops in Ukraine receives immediate pushback.
• Putin accuses Western countries of attempting to weaken Russia and warns of consequences.

Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a stark warning on Thursday, cautioning that Russia possesses the capability to launch nuclear strikes against targets in Western nations if they choose to intervene militarily in Ukraine. This declaration marks one of Putin's most direct threats of nuclear escalation since the onset of Russia’s invasion.

During his annual State of the Nation address to Russia’s parliament, Putin emphasized the risk of a nuclear conflict resulting in the "destruction of civilization" if Western countries provide military support to Ukraine.

The Russian leader's remarks were prompted by French President Emmanuel Macron's suggestion that the deployment of NATO ground troops in Ukraine could not be "ruled out." However, this proposal faced swift opposition from various members of the alliance, including the United States.

Putin vehemently asserted that Moscow possesses weapons capable of striking targets within the territories of Western nations, rebuking the notion that such matters are trivial. He accused Western nations of attempting to undermine Russia's strength and resilience, emphasizing that they "miscalculated" their actions.

In response to allegations about Russia's purported plans to deploy nuclear weapons in space, Putin dismissed them as baseless, claiming that the United States has failed to respond to a treaty proposed by Russia in 2008 aimed at preventing the weaponization of space.

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Crucial Quote:

"Western countries should finally understand that we also have weapons... that all this really threatens a conflict with the use of nuclear weapons, and thus the destruction of civilization," Putin asserted.

Tangent:

Putin condemned allegations of Russia's intention to deploy nuclear weapons in space as "bogus," citing a lack of response from the United States regarding a drafted treaty aimed at preventing such actions.

Key Background:

Macron's remarks during a conference on Ukraine aid in Paris sparked debate over the potential involvement of NATO troops in Ukraine. While some NATO members, including Macron, hinted at the possibility, others, including NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, rejected the notion. Putin's warning underscores growing tensions between Russia and the West amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

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