Putin warns the West: Russia is ready for nuclear war

FILE PHOTO: Russia's President Vladimir Putin attends a ceremony to launch production facilities in Russian regions held via video link in the Stavropol region, Russia, March 5, 2024. Sputnik/Mikhail Metzel/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo

MOSCOW (Reuters) -President Vladimir Putin told the West on Wednesday that Russia was technically ready for nuclear war and that if the U.S. sent troops to Ukraine, it would be considered a significant escalation of the conflict.

Putin, speaking ahead of a March 15-17 election which is certain to give him another six years in power, added that the nuclear war scenario was not "rushing" up and he saw no need for the use of nuclear weapons in Ukraine.