Putin Threatens Nuclear Strikes on NATO in State of the Nation Address
Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered his annual State of the Nation address on Thursday, using the platform to issue a stern warning to the West. Putin threatened to use nuclear weapons against NATO countries if they were to send forces to help defend Ukraine from a Russian victory. While the speech primarily focused on Russia’s economy, Putin made it clear that he would not hesitate to retaliate against the West if they were to attack Russian territory.
“They must understand that we also have weapons that can hit targets on their territory,” Putin stated, emphasizing the potential “tragic consequences” that could arise from deploying NATO forces to Ukraine. He further criticized Western leaders for their perception of war as a “cartoon” and highlighted Russia’s readiness with its strategic nuclear forces. Putin boasted about Russia’s advanced hypersonic nuclear-capable weapons, including the Kinzhal and Zircon missiles, which he claimed had already been used in Ukraine, with others in the final stages of testing.
While Putin has hinted at Russia’s willingness to use nuclear weapons in the past, his warning during this State of the Nation address was particularly sharp. He specifically referred to recent comments by French President Emmanuel Macron, who suggested that the deployment of foreign forces to Ukraine remained an option. Putin warned that invaders would suffer “much more tragic consequences” and announced plans to strengthen Russia’s western military district in response to Sweden and Finland joining NATO.
The audience for Putin’s speech consisted of members of the military, Russian parliamentarians, and selected individuals such as sports stars, film directors, and patriotic volunteers. Some nodded along and took notes, while others seemed disengaged or responded with laughter and applause at appropriate moments. The address was also broadcast live on advertising screens in shopping malls and movie theaters across the country.
The timing of Putin’s address is politically significant, as it coincides with the burial of his main political rival, Alexei Navalny. Navalny’s widow, Yulia Navalnaya, accused Putin of ordering her husband’s murder and preventing the family from renting a private hall for a public farewell ahead of the funeral. Navalny, who was barred from running against Putin in the 2018 presidential election, was poisoned in 2020, imprisoned in 2021, and died in February 2022.
Putin’s confidence in a victory in Ukraine has grown following Russia’s recent capture of Avdiivka and Lastochkyne. These settlements were heavily damaged after months of Russian bombardment. However, uncertainty remains about Ukraine’s ability to prevail against Russia, especially with the delay of a $95 billion U.S. security assistance package for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan in Congress.
As Putin prepares for the upcoming presidential election, which has been manipulated by the Kremlin to exclude real opponents, it is evident that he intends to maintain his grip on power. Only three candidates have been allowed to run, all of whom have expressed their support for Putin. Meanwhile, two antiwar candidates were prevented from participating in the election.
In conclusion, Putin’s State of the Nation address served as a platform for him to assert Russia’s military strength and issue a strong warning to NATO countries. The threat of nuclear strikes against the West if they intervene in Ukraine highlights the escalating tensions between Russia and the Western world. As Putin solidifies his position of power and Ukraine faces an uncertain future, the international community watches closely, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
