Putin Threatens Nuclear Strikes If NATO Troops Aid Ukraine: 'The Destruction Of Civilization'

Tensions between the U.S. and Russia continue to escalate with reports of nuclear-powered devices being developed by the European nation.

Russian President Vladimir Putin may have escalated tension with a potential warning shot to the U.S. and Western nations.

What Happened: It has been over two years since Russia invaded Ukraine and began a war that drew the U.S. in to support Ukraine with money and defense items.

During an annual state-of-the-nation speech, Putin cautioned NATO countries such as the U.S. that are helping Ukraine in its effort against Russia.

"We also have weapons that can strike targets on their territory," Putin said, as reported by the New York Times. "Do they not understand this?"

Putin said countries helping Ukraine against Russia or considering sending their own troops to the region need to have an understanding about what can happen.

"All this truly threatens a conflict with the use of nuclear weapons, and therefore the destruction of civilization."

Putin's callout of troops in the region may have been in response to French President Emmanual Macron recently saying there was the potential for troops from NATO countries to be sent to Ukraine.

A potential move by France or other NATO countries could escalate the war and put Russia in direct conflict with other countries.

"We remember the fate of those who once sent their contingents to the territory of our country. But now the consequences for potential interventionists will be much more tragic," Putin said.

Putin added that Russia "will not let anyone interfere in our domestic affairs."

The Russian president suggested he was open to discussing the international conflict with the U.S.

"Russia is ready for a dialogue with the United States on matters of strategic stability."

Related Link: Leaked Russian Military Files Expose Unexpectedly Low ‘Operational Threshold’ For Nuclear Weapons: Report

Why It's Important: The warnings from Putin came as the president laid out his future plans for the country. The speech lasted for more than two hours with only several minutes spent on the threats to the NATO countries.

Putin also discussed items like highways, health care, education and energy infrastructure, according to the report. A presidential election scheduled for March 15 to March 17 will see Putin run for reelection and a six-year term.

Talks of escalation come as the U.S. Congress has a military aid bill to help Ukraine that is stalled and not been approved. The comments from Putin also come during a presidential election year for the U.S. and international relations could become an increasingly discussed topic.

Since the war between Russia and Ukraine began, smaller nuclear weapons threats have been made. This week's comments mark a return to escalated concerns of nuclear weapons. The comments also come after rumors of nuclear weapons from Russia being developed to hit U.S. satellites and also being developed in space.

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