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Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered his annual state of the nation address to the Russian elite, where he told NATO countries that they risk being involved in a nuclear conflict if the alliance sends troops to Ukraine.
Putin has not missed the chance to criticize the West once again, giving a very clear message about the possibility of sending troops to Ukraine.
"They must understand that we also have weapons that can hit targets on their territory," he said.
The Russian leader also warned that anyone who tries to invade Russia will face more severe consequences than in World War II, because the country now has weapons that can hit targets on enemy soil.
Putin said the West's only goal is the destruction of Russia and that the US is "absolutely determined" to foment division in the country.
Putin said the US is interested in negotiating only when there is a clear benefit.
He accuses the US of wanting to finally defeat Russia and "draw us into an arms race".
However, according to him, Russia's political unity is a key pillar and he will not allow anyone to interfere in internal affairs. Meaning here also the death of the Russian opposition leader, Navalny.
During the annual address, Putin added that Russia needs to strengthen the western wing of its military, as Finland and Sweden are NATO's newest members.
At the beginning of his speech, Putin greeted the Russian people and thanked them for their support in what he calls the "military operation" in Ukraine.
He reiterated that the majority of citizens supported his decision two years ago to send tens of thousands of troops to the "special military operation" in Ukraine.
"Today, while our homeland defends its sovereignty and security and protects the lives of our compatriots in Donbass and Novorossiya, the decisive role in this just war belongs to us citizens, our unity, dedication to our homeland," he said.
The speech comes just two weeks before a presidential election in which Putin is expected to win another six-year term over his rivals.
The United States and key European allies said this week they have no plans to send ground troops to Ukraine, after France hinted at such a possibility.
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