Ukraine war live updates: Russia is ready for nuclear war, Putin warns, and Moscow will conduct nuclear tests if the U.S. does

Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Russia is prepared for a potential nuclear war and would conduct nuclear tests if the United States did so. Putin emphasized that a nuclear war is not imminent, as cooler heads would prevent such a scenario. He mentioned that Ukraine’s Western allies understand the consequences of sending ground troops into the country and the potential for a direct conflict between NATO and Russia. Putin’s remarks were made in an interview prior to Russia’s upcoming presidential election.