Putin sends nuclear warning to West

Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered his annual state of the nation address yesterday and issued warnings of a potential nuclear war if NATO or other Ukraine allies intervene further in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

He outlined long-term economic goals, such as boosting birth rates and wages, and dismissed US accusations of space-based nuclear weapons plans. 

Putin’s speech comes ahead of next month’s presidential elections, where he faces minimal competition for a fifth term in office. Most of his opposition figures have either been disqualified or died in prison.

There are also growing protests against the invasion of Ukraine. An independent poll suggests 75% of Russians favor a peace agreement.

In recent weeks, Germany, France and the UK have started exploring nuclear deterrence plans for NATO, independent of America, as Russia’s recent military advancements in Ukraine, including capturing Avdiivka, intensified Western anxieties.