In his annual address to the Federal Embassy in Moscow, Russia on Feb. 29, President Vladimir Putin warned that the possibility of a nuclear war, if NATO troops are sent to Ukraine, should be taken seriously. 

“They must realize that we also have weapons that can hit targets on their territory,” Putin said, according to NPR. “What they are now suggesting and scaring the world with – all that raises the real threat of a nuclear conflict that will mean the destruction of our civilization.”

With enough public support to confidently win the presidential election for his fifth term in the coming weeks, Putin left mention of the vote out of his address and instead discussed his future plans.

After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began on Feb. 24, 2022, 31,000 Ukrainian troops have been killed according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and between 45,000 to 85,000 Russian troops have been killed.

The invasion has been both a source of public support and public opposition within Russia. 

Although Putin has gained popularity since the last election, Russian figures like Alexei Navalny, who died unexpectedly this month, have shown stark opposition to the war.