‘We are ready for this’: Vladimir Putin’s nuclear war warning

Vladimir Putin warns Russia is ready to use nuclear weapons if there is a threat to his country’s sovereignty or independence. In an interview on state television, the Russian leader described US President Joe Biden as a veteran politician who “fully understands” the dangers of an escalation in tensions. He claimed Russia’s nuclear capabilities are more advanced than the West’s. “The United States announced that they were not going to send troops – we know what American troops are in the Russian territory. These are invaders,” Mr Putin said. “This is how we will treat it, even if they appear on the territory of Ukraine, and they understand this. “I don’t think that everything is rushing so head on here, but we are ready for this.”