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.