This statement comes in the wake of the Pentagon's announcement on Tuesday that it will be supplying Ukraine with approximately $300 million worth of weaponry in its ongoing conflict with Russia.
"From a military-technical point of view, we are, of course, ready," Putin declared when questioned about the possibility of a nuclear war. He further cautioned that any deployment of U.S. troops to Ukraine or Russian territory would be perceived by Moscow as an intervention in the war, urging the U.S. to exercise "strategic restraint."
Despite the readiness for a nuclear confrontation, Putin clarified that he was not "rushing" to employ nuclear weapons, nor did he see their use in Ukraine as necessary. "Therefore, I don't think that everything here is rushing to it [nuclear confrontation], but we are ready for this," he added.
WATCH:ELON MUSK TALKS ABOUT THE FUTURE OF SELF DRIVING CARS
Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine over two years ago, Putin has repeatedly warned the West of the risk of a nuclear war if it sends troops to fight in Ukraine. He further elaborated on the potential use of nuclear weapons, stating that it was outlined in the Kremlin's nuclear doctrine. "Weapons exist in order to use them," Putin said. "We have our own principles."
WATCH ALAN DERSHOWITZ: "THERE IS NO CRIME IN MANHATTAN"
March 13, 2024
In the event of the U.S. conducting nuclear tests, Putin suggested that Russia might follow suit. "It's not necessary ... we still need to think about it, but I don't rule out that we can do the same," he stated.
PUTIN'S LATEST POWER MOVE: RUSSIA DISPLAYS "WAR WINS" IN EYE-OPENING EXHIBITION
Despite these assertions, Putin maintained that Russia had never been presented with a need to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine since the war began. "Why do we need to use weapons of mass destruction? There has never been such a need," he said.
HOW DEMOCRATS' ANTI-ISRAEL PROTESTS ARE TURNING INTO THEIR WORST NIGHTMARE
In recent months, Putin proposed a ceasefire in Ukraine to halt the war, a suggestion that was rejected by the U.S. following discussions between intermediaries. However, Putin reiterated on Wednesday that Russia was prepared to engage in serious talks regarding Ukraine. "Russia is ready for negotiations on Ukraine, but they should be based on reality," he said.
"BITCOIN JESUS" BUSTED: $48 MILLION TAX EVASION SCHEME UNRAVELS
As the world's two largest nuclear powers, Russia and the U.S. control over 90% of the world's nuclear weapons. Despite assurances from Western leaders that Russia will be defeated in its fight in Ukraine, Russian forces continue to control nearly one-fifth of Ukrainian territory.