Russian President Vladimir Putin warned the West that Russia is technically ready for nuclear war and if the U.S. sent troops to Ukraine it would be considered a significant escalation of the war.

Speaking to state media on Wednesday, Mr. Putin said the nuclear war scenario, however, is not imminent.

The statement comes after US President Joe Biden announced a $300 million emergency weapons package to Ukraine yesterday and days before the upcoming election in Russia which is certain to give President Putin another six years in power.

The war in Ukraine has triggered the deepest crisis in Russia’s relations with the West since the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis.