<div><span style="font-size: 1rem;"><b>President Vladimir Putin said that Russia is ready to use nuclear weapons if there is a threat to Russian statehood, sovereignty, or independence.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>Speaking in an interview with Russian state television released early Wednesday, Putin said he hoped that the U.S. would avoid any escalation that could trigger a nuclear war, but emphasized that Russia’s nuclear forces are ready for it.</div><div><br></div><div>Asked if he has ever considered using battlefield nuclear weapons in Ukraine, Putin responded that there has been no need for that.</div><div><br></div><div>He also voiced confidence that Moscow will achieve its goals in Ukraine and held the door open for talks, emphasizing that any deal would require firm guarantees from the West. - AP&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>