Putin warns Russia ready to use nukes if needed

Russian President Vladimir Putin lauded Moscow’s nuclear arsenal yesterday and warned that he was ready to deploy the weapons if Russia’s sovereignty was threatened.

The Kremlin has touted its nuclear prowess throughout its two-year offensive in Ukraine, last month warning Western countries that there was a “real” risk of nuclear catastrophe if they escalated the conflict.

Putin’s rhetoric comes days ahead of elections in Russia that are all but guaranteed to hand him another six years in power as his military posts gains in Ukraine.

“Our triad, the nuclear triad, it is more modern than any other triad. Only we and the Americans actually have such triads. And we have advanced much more here,” Putin said in a wide-ranging interview with state media.

“We are ready to use weapons ... including the weapons you mentioned if it is a question of the existence of the Russian state or damage to our sovereignty and independence,” Putin added in the interview.

Dismissing comments

The Russian leader also dismissed recent comments from French leader Emmanuel Macron, who last month declined to rule out putting boots on the ground, a significant shift in rhetoric as Ukraine struggles.

“The fact is that the militaries of Western countries have been present in Ukraine for a long time,” Putin claimed, referring to what the Kremlin says are mercenaries.

“But if we talk about official military contingents of foreign countries, I am sure it will not change the situation on the battlefield,” he added.

While Macron has doubled down on his remarks, several of Ukraine’s allies, including Washington, have distanced themselves from the idea, which stunned many in Europe.

Putin’s rhetoric comes just days ahead of elections in Russia that are all but guaranteed to hand him another six years in power and as his military posts gains in Ukraine.