Putin warns the West that Russia is ready for nuclear war

Russian President Vladimir Putin has told the West that Russia was technically ready for nuclear war and that if the US sent troops to Ukraine, it would be considered a significant escalation of the conflict.

Mr Putin, speaking ahead of a 15-17 March election which is certain to give him another six years in power, added that the nuclear war scenario was not "rushing" up and he saw no need for the use of nuclear weapons in Ukraine.