Russian President Vladimir Putin declared Russia’s state of combat readiness and affirmed preparedness for nuclear conflict, but stated that the current situation doesn’t rush toward it. In an interview, Putin emphasized Russia’s willingness to use nuclear weapons if its sovereignty is threatened, citing the Kremlin’s nuclear doctrine. He warned that deploying American troops in Russia or Ukraine would be seen as intervention. While acknowledging strategic restraint, he asserted Russia’s readiness for any scenario. Putin mentioned the possibility of nuclear tests if provoked but stressed Russia’s avoidance of using such weapons in the Ukraine conflict, underscoring the lack of necessity.