Putin: Russia ready to use nuclear weapons if state existence threatened

Speaking on the readiness of Russia's nuclear capabilities, Putin emphasized that the country's nuclear triad surpasses that of any other nation. "From the military and technical point of view, we are, of course, ready," Putin affirmed.

Regarding the US, Putin characterized President Joe Biden as part of a "traditional school of politics" and highlighted the presence of numerous experts in the Russia-US relationship and strategic deterrence within the United States. Despite this, Putin expressed readiness for potential escalation, stating: "That is why I do not think that everything is rushing head-on [in that direction], but we are ready for this."

Putin acknowledged the US's development of nuclear forces but suggested that this does not imply an immediate readiness for nuclear conflict. "It does not mean that they are ready to unleash a nuclear war tomorrow,” he added. (ILKHA)