Sending Western troops to Ukraine risks global nuclear conflict, says Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin delivers his state-of-the-nation address (Alexander Zemlianichenko/AP)

Russian President Vladimir Putin has vowed to fulfil Moscow’s goals in Ukraine and warned the West against deeper involvement in the fighting, saying that such a move risks a global nuclear conflict.

Mr Putin’s warning came in a state-of-the-nation address ahead of next month’s election that he is all but certain to win, underlining his attempt to protect Russian gains in Ukraine.