Vladimir Putin told Nato countries on Thursday they risked nuclear conflict if they sent troops to Ukraine, adding that Russia must strengthen its western military district after Finland and Sweden’s admission to the Atlantic alliance.

The United States and key European allies this week said they had no plans to send ground troops to Ukraine, after France hinted at the possibility.

“They should eventually realise that we also have weapons that can hit targets on their territory. Everything that the West comes up with creates the real threat of a conflict with the use of nuclear weapons, and thus the destruction of civilisation,” Putin said at his annual state of nation address.

Ahead of his speech Putin said he would “of course” mention the presidential elections that will take place March 15-17.

It comes amid no real opposition candidates on the ballot and the unexpected death of Moscow’s most prominent critic Alexei Navalny, whose funeral will take place tomorrow. 

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