"Putin Warns of Nuclear War Risk if West Intervenes in Ukraine Conflict"

Russian President Vladimir Putin issued explicit nuclear threats to the West during his annual state of the nation address, warning of tragic consequences if NATO sends troops to Ukraine. He also emphasized Russia's ability to thrive economically despite the war and announced new government programs aimed at improving Russians' lives, including a program for veterans of the war in Ukraine. Putin insisted that Russians had united behind the war effort, despite growing evidence of divisions and war fatigue, and a new independent poll suggests that a large majority of Russians would endorse Putin signing a peace agreement "tomorrow."