In a stark warning, Russian President Vladimir Putin said deploying Western troops to Ukraine risks global nuclear war.
During his annual address, Putin accused the West of trying to weaken Russia and said they underestimate the risks of meddling in its internal affairs.
Putin cited Macron’s proposal to send NATO troops to Ukraine, which the US, Germany, Britain, and others swiftly rejected.
Putin stressed Russia’s ability to hit Western targets and warned of dire outcomes in a nuclear conflict.
This warning comes amid escalating tensions between Moscow and the West since the start of the war in Ukraine. Putin has repeatedly reminded of Russia’s nuclear power and has even moved tactical nuclear weapons into neighboring Belarus.
Putin delivered a two-hour speech shortly before Russia’s elections, where many expect him to secure another six-year term.
The international community remains concerned in the face of these threats. The deployment of Western troops to Ukraine, although discussed by some European countries, has been rejected by key players such as Germany and the USA.
The situation highlights the ongoing tensions and the risk of escalation that could extend far beyond Ukraine’s borders.