Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that Russia is technically prepared for nuclear war, and cautioned against any deployment of U.S. troops to Ukraine, labelling it a significant escalation of the conflict.
Speaking just ahead of Russia’s March 15-17 election, which is widely expected to extend his tenure for another six years, Putin stated that while the nuclear war scenario wasn’t imminent, Russia was fully equipped from a military-technical perspective. However, he emphasized that he saw no necessity for the use of nuclear weapons in the Ukrainian conflict.
Putin’s remarks came during an interview with Rossiya-1 television and news agency RIA, where he underscored that the U.S. understood the consequences of deploying troops to either Russian territory or Ukraine. Such a move would be considered intervention by Russia, according to Putin, who asserted his country’s readiness for any eventuality.
The Russian leader’s nuclear warning coincided with an offer for talks on Ukraine as part of a new post-Cold War European security arrangement. However, the U.S. has expressed skepticism about Putin’s willingness to engage in meaningful discussions over Ukraine.
Tensions have escalated dramatically since Russia’s military incursion into Ukraine in February 2022, which sparked full-scale warfare after years of conflict in eastern Ukraine. Putin has repeatedly cautioned the West against deeper involvement in the region, warning of the potential for nuclear confrontation.
Meanwhile, the U.S. is grappling with how best to support Ukraine against Russia’s aggressive actions, with concerns over the Kremlin’s control of significant Ukrainian territory and its rapid rearmament. While Kyiv frames its defense as resistance against imperial conquest, Putin insists that the areas under Russian control are now part of Russia.
Putin’s remarks on nuclear weapons align with Russia’s official nuclear doctrine, which outlines the conditions under which such weapons may be used. Despite international concerns, Putin reiterated that the use of nuclear weapons was contingent upon specific circumstances, as outlined in Russia’s policies.
Amidst ongoing diplomatic tensions, Putin reiterated Russia’s willingness to engage in serious negotiations on Ukraine, contingent upon realistic terms. However, he expressed a need for written security guarantees to safeguard Russia’s interests in any potential settlement.
The situation remains precarious as international powers navigate the complexities of the Ukrainian conflict, with concerns mounting over the potential for further escalation and the need for diplomatic solutions to avert catastrophe.
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India’s Pant says doctors considered leg amputation after car crash
Star Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant says that doctors raised the prospect of amputating his leg after the serious car crash that threatened to end his cricket career.
The 26-year-old is set to play for the Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League starting this month after a 14-month absence following the accident.
He is also in contention for the T20 World Cup in the West Indies and United States in June if all goes well on his comeback in the IPL.
Pant said his long layoff had taken a toll on him physically and mentally, but knows it could have been far worse.
“When my accident happened I felt something spiritual saved me,” Pant, who missed the last season of the IPL, told Wednesday’s Times of India.
“With the kind of accident I had, I only got my knee injured, but I can’t even imagine how much worse it could have been.
“Doctors even spoke to me about amputation.”
Pant crashed his Mercedes SUV north of New Delhi in December 2022, suffering multiple injuries when the car rammed into a crash barrier, flipped over and caught fire.
He was rushed to hospital before being airlifted to Mumbai for further treatment and surgery.
An intensive rehabilitation programme followed with the National Cricket Academy (NCA) as he recovered from a damaged ligament in his right knee, a hurt wrist and ankle, and abrasions to his back.
Pant said he had been “anxiously waiting” to be declared fit and had been distressed to sit out last year’s ODI World Cup at home.
“It was very upsetting. We discussed with the NCA team that we will take a shot at the World Cup. All of us tried 200 percent, but my knee couldn’t take the load,” he said.
Pant had also hoped to be fit for India’s 4-1 Test series win over England which concluded on the weekend, but said the cricket board had not wanted to rush him back into the gruelling format.
The swashbuckling player said the accident had changed his whole outlook.
“Gratitude towards life has increased a lot. You start appreciating small things about life.”
Pant has played for India 129 times across all three formats since making his international debut in 2017.
He was replaced as skipper of Delhi Capitals by David Warner last year.
