Putin Warns That Russia Is Ready to Use Nukes Under Specific Conditions

Russian President Vladimir Putin has amped up his nuclear threats to the West, saying that his military is technically prepared to launch a strike if Russia’s sovereignty or independence comes under threat.

Speaking in an interview with state television, Putin also said he hoped the U.S. would avoid taking actions that would increase the risk of nuclear conflict and expressed doubt that the world is on the brink of Armageddon. Nevertheless, when asked if Russia is ready for nuclear war, he said: “From the military-technical viewpoint, we’re prepared.”

Putin, who is all but guaranteed to win a new six-year term in Russia’s presidential election this week, also denied that he had ever considered using a tactical nuclear weapon at any point during his war in Ukraine. He said that weapons of mass destruction would only be used in the event of a threat to “the existence of the Russian state, our sovereignty and independence.”

Read more at The Daily Beast.