Vladimir Putin vows Russia ready to use nuclear weapons against threat to independence, amid US warning

Mr Putin also said he hoped the US would refrain from actions that could trigger a nuclear conflict. His statement is another blunt warning to the West ahead of a presidential vote this week in which he is all but certain to win another six-year term.

In an interview with Russian state television released early on Wednesday, Mr Putin described US President Joe Biden as a veteran politician who fully understands the possible dangers of escalation, and said he does not think the world is heading to a nuclear war.

At the same time, he said Russia’s nuclear forces were in full readiness and “from the military-technical viewpoint, we’re prepared”.

Mr Putin said Moscow was ready to use nuclear weapons in case of a threat to “the existence of the Russian state, our sovereignty and independence”. The Russian leader has repeatedly talked about his readiness to use nuclear weapons since launching the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

The most recent such threat came in his state-of-the-nation address last month when he warned the West that deepening its involvement in the fighting in Ukraine would risk a nuclear war.

Asked in the interview if he has ever considered using battlefield nuclear weapons in Ukraine, Mr Putin responded there has been no need for that. He also voiced confidence that Moscow would achieve its goals in Ukraine and held the door open for talks, emphasising any deal would require firm guarantees from the West.

“It shouldn’t be a break for the enemy to rearm, but a serious talk involving the guarantees of security for the Russian Federation,” he said.

Mr Putin said a recent spike in Ukrainian drone attacks deep inside Russia is part of efforts to derail the country’s three-day presidential election, which starts on Friday and which he is all but certain to win.

Russian authorities reported another major attack by Ukrainian drones early on Wednesday. One of the drones hit an oil refinery in the Ryazan region, injuring at least two people and sparking a fire.

Another drone was downed as it was approaching a refinery near St Petersburg and 30 others were brought down in the south-western Voronezh region.