Putin issues stark warning of Nuclear war amid advances in Ukraine
In a speech that reverberated through Moscow’s Gostiny Dvor Palace, President Vladimir Putin delivered a chilling warning on Thursday, highlighting a “real” risk of nuclear war if the West continues to escalate the conflict in Ukraine. The Russian leader asserted that his troops were making advances in Ukraine, cautioning the West about “tragic consequences” should any country dare to send troops to Kyiv.
Putin’s address, a pivotal moment in the ongoing crisis, was prompted by French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent refusal to rule out sending troops to Ukraine. The Russian leader asserted, “They should eventually realize that we also have weapons that can hit targets on their territory,” underscoring the potential for conflict with the use of nuclear weapons and the catastrophic impact on civilization.
This stark warning follows Western criticism of Putin for what they perceive as reckless use of nuclear rhetoric since Moscow initiated its full-scale military offensive against Ukraine. Despite previously toning down nuclear threats, Putin’s renewed caution coincides with Moscow’s recent battlefield gains, a resilient economy against sanctions, and signs of fraying Western support for Ukraine.
The reversal of fortunes for Moscow over the past year is evident. In 2023, Russian troops faced setbacks from Ukrainian counteroffensives, but a failed Ukrainian summer counteroffensive has shifted the dynamic. Kyiv has now adopted defensive positions, while Western support for Ukraine faces hurdles, exemplified by a stalled $60-billion US aid package in Congress.
Putin’s troops, outgunning Ukrainian forces, have seized the eastern stronghold of Avdiivka and are pushing for further advances. Economically, Russia has weathered sanctions better than anticipated, thanks to substantial investments in military production and attractive benefits for soldiers.
Putin, seizing the moment in his annual address, also touched on domestic issues as Russia heads toward a presidential election scheduled for March 15-17. Despite the absence of real opposition candidates, Putin has been actively engaging with the public, including a recent display of flying a Russian bomber.
The speech, broadcast on television, digital screens, and in cinemas across the country, precedes the planned funeral in Moscow for Putin’s top opponent, Alexei Navalny, who died in prison on February 16 under unclear circumstances. Putin, notably silent on Navalny’s death, faces increasing scrutiny both at home and abroad in the wake of the prominent opposition leader’s demise.
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