In Russia’s annual state of the nation address on February 29, Putin states that the French President.Emmanuel Macron’s statement about a possibility of sending western forces into Ukraine cannot be ruled out.

Putin states, “All this really threatens a conflict with the use of nuclear weapons, and therefore the destruction of civilization.” He proceeded to ask whether the West knows this or not.

He also said, “We also have weapons that can hit targets on their territory.” 

President Macron’s idea of sending troops to Ukraine has already been rejected by several European leaders. Although several European leaders have rejected the idea, Lithuania’s foreign minister Gabrielius Landsbergis  has said that he fully supports Macron’s idea of sending troops into Ukraine. 

“Most likely we’re not talking about combat troops,but it could be training, it could be other thoughts of assistance to Ukraine,” he said. 

Landsbergis says he also has seen many signs that all indicated that Russia won’t stop this war any time soon. Also saying that “Ukraine must win” in order for this to stop and spread into other NATO countries.

“Putin’s words were irresponsible” was the US State Department reaction to Putin’s word about the possibility of a nuclear war. Saying they would monitor this situation and that they did not see any signs of Russia intending to use Nuclear weapons. Also stating “We have communicated in the past privately and directly with Russia about the consequences of the use of a nuclear weapon,” were US State Department Matthew Miller words to the press.

Putin’s conference lasted about 2 hours. Which comes right before the Russian election which is on March 17 and he is expected not only to win but sweep the entire election to continue for a 5th term. Which will extend his presidency until 2030 where Putin will be 77 when the 5th term is over.

This conference talked about many different topics like increasing the number of troops on the western border after Finland and Sweden decided to join NATO after their invasion on Ukraine had started nearly 2 years ago.

He also explained how they “firmly hold the initiative” after liberating more territory in Ukraine which forced Ukraine retreating in many areas. Also how Russia’s economy has moved more dynamically compared to other countries even after all the many sanctions Russia received from the West when the war first started. And how Putin believes the population is not at its peak because of the newer generation not wanting to have children which he is against. “A large family with many children should become the norm, the philosophy of social life, the guideline of the entire state strategy,” Putin said”