Putin: "If Intervening in Russia, Nuclear Weapons May Also Be Used"

Recent Discussions on NATO's Deployment Plan to Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin strongly warned on the 29th (local time) against the recent discussions in the West about deploying troops to Ukraine.

Vladimir Putin, President of Russia [Image source=Yonhap News]

In a state address to members of the upper and lower houses near the Kremlin in Moscow's Gostiny Dvor, President Putin said, "Any new attempt to intervene in Russia could lead to a large-scale conflict, including the use of nuclear weapons."

This warning came in reference to recent discussions among NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) member countries about sending troops to Ukraine.

He stated, "We remember the fate of those who were deployed on our country's territory. The outcome for those who intervene this time will be even more tragic," adding, "We have weapons capable of striking their territory."

He also emphasized, "All this intimidation of the world means the actual use of nuclear weapons and the consequent destruction of civilization."

Regarding Western claims that Russia would attack Europe, President Putin dismissed them as "nonsense."

However, he confirmed that Russia's strategic nuclear weapons are in a state of full readiness.

He went on to say that tests of next-generation nuclear weapons such as the nuclear-powered cruise missile Burevestnik and the underwater nuclear weapon Poseidon are in the final stages, the Kinzhal hypersonic missile is in actual operation, and the new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) Sarmat will soon be deployed for combat missions.

He denied U.S. claims that Russia would deploy nuclear weapons in space as "baseless lies," criticizing them as an attempt by the West to draw Russia into an arms race.

Regarding the Ukraine "special military operation," now entering its third year, he assessed that "the Russian military is confidently advancing in multiple directions."