Vladimir Putin cautioned NATO nations that they are courting the risk of instigating a nuclear conflict by deploying troops to engage in combat in Ukraine, as he delivered his annual state of the nation address with escalating warnings directed at Europe and the US.
Referring to Emmanuel Macron's recent remarks suggesting the possibility of dispatching European ground forces to Ukraine, the Russian leader emphasized the dire consequences such actions would bring upon the nations involved.
During his assertive two-hour speech on Thursday, Putin addressed the discussions surrounding the potential deployment of NATO military units to Ukraine, cautioning Western powers about the grave implications of such actions.
"We need to make it clear to them that we possess weaponry capable of reaching their territories. This situation genuinely escalates the risk of a conflict involving nuclear arms, potentially leading to the obliteration of civilization. Do they not comprehend the gravity of this situation? We remember the outcomes for those who previously sent their forces into our territory. The repercussions for potential interveners will be far more devastating," Putin remarked.
While dismissing Western assertions that Russia poses a threat to Europe as baseless, Putin underscored the possibility of a nuclear confrontation if the West attempted any form of intervention within Russia.
"They view this matter as some sort of trivial pursuit. Their arrogance blinds them," he added.
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