Putin once more threatens to make use of nuclear weapons and claims Russia’s nuclear arsenal is best than that of U.S.

President Vladimir Putin stated Wednesday that Russia’s nuclear triad — its three-pronged arsenal of weapons launched from land, sea and air — was “rather more” superior than that of the US.

“Our triad, the nuclear triad, it’s extra trendy than every other triad. Solely we and the Individuals even have such triads. And we’ve got superior rather more right here,” Putin stated in an interview on state TV.

Putin stated Moscow’s nuclear weapons are totally prepared and “from the military-technical viewpoint, we’re ready” to make use of them in case there is a risk to “the existence of the Russian state, our sovereignty and independence,” in response to The Related Press.

His robust speak comes earlier than a presidential election this week he is nearly assured of profitable to provide him one other six-year time period.

The Kremlin has touted its nuclear prowess all through the two-year offensive in Ukraine, warning Western international locations final month there was a “actual” threat of nuclear disaster in the event that they escalated the battle.

The West has accused Russia of reckless nuclear rhetoric because it launched its assault on Ukraine in February 2022.

Moscow is believed to own over 5,000 nuclear warheads, the biggest stockpile on the earth.

In the identical interview, Putin stated Western international locations sending their troops to Ukraine would not change the state of affairs on the battlefield.

“If we speak about official army contingents of overseas international locations, I’m certain it won’t change the state of affairs on the battlefield. That’s an important factor. Simply as supplying arms doesn’t change something,” Putin stated.

His feedback got here after French chief Emmanuel Macron final month declined to rule out placing boots on the bottom, a big shift in rhetoric as Ukraine struggles on the battlefield.

Whereas Macron since has doubled down on his remarks, a number of of Ukraine’s allies — together with Washington — have distanced themselves from the concept surprised many in Europe.

Ukraine has ceded floor to Russian forces in latest months because it faces a myriad of shortages, from artillery to air defenses, partially as a result of a $60 billion help package deal stays held up within the U.S. Congress.

In a stopgap effort to offer what help it could, the Pentagon stated Tuesday it will rush about $300 million in weapons to Ukraine after discovering some price financial savings in its contracts.