Putin warns risk of nuclear war if West sends troops to Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin issued several warnings in his state-of-the-nation address regarding Moscow's goals in Ukraine and the potential risks of nuclear conflict if the West becomes more involved. Putin accused the West of attempting to weaken Russia and threatened retaliation with weapons of mass destruction if there was an attempt to encroach on Russian territory. He specifically warned against sending troops to Ukraine, stating that the consequences would be "tragic." The war in Ukraine has led to the worst crisis in Moscow's relations with the West since the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis. Putin also accused Emmanuel Macron of starting an untimely debate over sending allied troops to Ukraine and warned Western countries about Russia's military capabilities, stating that threats from the West create a "real" risk of nuclear war.