Russian President Vladimir Putin warned North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) countries of a potential nuclear conflict if they sent troops to Ukraine and urged Russia to strengthen its western military district following Finland and Sweden’s membership.
“Russia will not allow anyone to interfere in its internal affairs,” said Putin during his annual address to the Russian parliament.
Putin criticised French President Macron’s statement that Western ground troops should not be “ruled out” for deployment to Ukraine, stating that such actions would lead to “tragic” consequences for the countries involved.
Putin said that the absolute majority of Russians support “special military operations”.
“The combat capabilities of the armed forces have increased manifold. Our units are firmly in possession of the initiative. They are confidently advancing in several operational directions, liberating new territories,” he said.
Putin, who has been in power for over two decades, has announced his intention to seek another six-year term in March next year, following his annual address to Russia’s Parliament two weeks before the expected election.
