Vladimir Putin today issued a chilling new World War Three threat to the West, vowing to strengthen his military machine and speed up the development of his nuclear triad and advanced weapons. Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky accused Putin of already triggering WW3, stressing the only way to stop him was intense military and economic pressure.
The leaders spoke the day before the fourth anniversary of the start of Russia’s war against Ukraine, which has seen millions of dead and wounded. A bellicose Putin showed no inkling that he intends to reach any peace deal, but instead indicated he is seeking victory, declaring he wants a “win”. He spoke as Ukrainian drone attacks inflicted major flight chaos on Russia, closing all four Moscow airports, and striking key energy targets deep inside his state. On World War Three, Zelensky told the BBC: “I believe that Putin has already started it. “The question is how much territory he will be able to seize and how to stop him.
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“Russia wants to impose on the world a different way of life and change the lives people have chosen for themselves.”
Putin - in a chilling broadcast marking the annual Defender of the Fatherland Day, honouring Russian troops - declared : “The colossal strength of our army and our multinational society lies in the ability to win together for common goals.”
He vowed: “We will continue our extensive work to strengthen the [Russian] army and navy, taking into account the evolving international situation, drawing on combat experience gained during the special military operation [war against Ukraine].
“The development of the nuclear triad, which serves as a guarantee of Russia's security and effectively ensures strategic deterrence and the balance of power in the world, remains an absolute priority.”
The triad comprises land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles, missiles launched from strategic submarines, and nuclear bombs carried by bomber aircraft.
He stressed his commitment to new-age weapons at a time NATO states are already playing catchup with recent Russian advancements.
“We will accelerate the development of advanced systems for the Armed Forces,” said Putin.
“I am confident of one thing: this equipment will always be in safe hands.”
Putin claimed his current forces - who have struggled to make small gains in Ukraine - “worthily continues the traditions of valour and honour bequeathed by their ancestors”.
They were inspired to emulate “military exploits and great, immortal victories”, he claimed.
