Russia will protect itself with nuclear weapons, warns Putin

President Putin has accused the West of seeking Russia’s destruction and promised retaliation with weapons of mass destruction if there was any attempt to encroach on Russian territory. Speaking to MPs and dignitaries in his annual televised address, Putin said the West desired Russia’s “strategic defeat” and the country had to be ready to protect itself, including with nuclear weapons. He said the West was “choosing targets to strike on our territory” and pulling Ukraine into Nato, requiring a response from Moscow. Read the best of our journalism: Subscribe to The Times and The Sunday Times YouTube channel: Find us on Facebook: Find us on Twitter: Find us on Instagram: