Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a series of new warnings, indicating his readiness to potentially arm countries to target Western interests and once again brandishing his nuclear capabilities.

His remarks, prompted by the decision of the United States and its European allies to permit Ukraine to strike certain Russian territories using their weaponry, represent the Kremlin’s latest response against increased support for Kyiv. Putin asserted that assumptions by Washington and its allies about his reluctance to employ nuclear arms were mistaken.

In reaction, President Joe Biden characterized Putin as “a dictator” whose actions have been of concern for decades, suggesting that he is grappling with balancing domestic pressures and military objectives.

However, Biden clarified that the United States was not authorizing Ukraine to utilize American weapons for strikes deep within Russia, particularly targeting Moscow or the Kremlin itself.

Putin’s statements were delivered during a briefing with international news agencies at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. He was questioned about recent adjustments permitting Kyiv more flexibility following Moscow’s recent incursion into the Kharkiv border area.

Putin stated, “If someone deems it appropriate to provide such armaments to a conflict zone to target our territory and pose challenges for us, then why should we not have the prerogative to furnish weapons of similar caliber to regions where strikes are aimed at vital assets of those nations engaging in such actions against Russia?” He added, “In essence, the response could be reciprocal. We will contemplate it.”

He further warned, “Ultimately, if we observe that these nations are being dragged into a conflict against us, effectively engaging in warfare against the Russian Federation, then we reserve the right to respond in kind. However, this trajectory could lead to grave consequences.”

The specific “regions of the world” to which Putin intended to deliver such missiles were not immediately specified.

On Thursday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov declined to identify the regions Putin had in consideration. Peskov emphasized that Putin had conveyed his message clearly and warned that providing weapons for strikes within Russia “cannot go unanswered,” during a routine press briefing with reporters.

Last week, Putin cautioned European NATO states about the ramifications of permitting Ukraine to utilize their weapons for strikes inside Russia, describing it as a dangerous game that could escalate into a worldwide conflict.

Until now, Ukraine’s allies had been hesitant to authorize the use of their weapons inside Russia due to concerns about potential retaliation from Moscow. However, the Kremlin’s recent escalation of cross-border operations heightened the urgency for a change in approach, leaving Kyiv feeling disadvantaged and growingly exasperated.

Earlier this week, Ukraine indicated that it had conducted its first strike inside Russia utilizing Western weaponry, reportedly aiming at an air defense system in the Belgorod border area.

When asked about the potential triggers for a nuclear conflict and the proximity of the world to such a risk, Putin responded by stating that Russia is often accused of brandishing a “nuclear baton,” but he emphasized that he was not the one who initiated this discussion.

However, he noted that Russia reserves the right to utilize “all means at our disposal” in the event of a threat to its sovereignty and territorial integrity, in accordance with the country’s nuclear doctrine, which outlines the conditions for the use of nuclear weapons.

Putin remarked that there seems to be a belief in the West that Russia would never actually employ such measures, cautioning against taking this assumption lightly or superficially.

His threats of deploying Russia’s formidable nuclear arsenal intensified as it became evident that Kyiv’s Western allies were committed to supporting the war-torn nation with weaponry, thereby prolonging what Putin anticipated to be a swift operation.

In response to Putin’s recent statements, President Biden, speaking from Normandy, France, reflected on his concerns regarding the Russian leader, stating, “He’s not a decent man. He’s a dictator,” emphasizing Putin’s struggle to maintain control while continuing the assault.

Biden clarified that the intention was not to arm Ukraine to strike Moscow or the Kremlin, but rather to enable Ukraine to respond to attacks near the border, where they faced significant aggression from Russian forces.

Despite delays in receiving new supplies of U.S. weapons, Ukraine has managed to stall the Russian advance and hinder the northeastern ground offensive. Kyiv is now advocating for further relaxation of restrictions on the use of allied weapons to enable strikes deeper into enemy territory.

Biden is scheduled to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in France this week as the West commemorates the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

During a speech at the American Cemetery and Memorial in Colleville-sur-Mer to mark the D-Day anniversary, Biden drew parallels between the Allied struggle against Nazi Germany and Ukraine’s fight against Russia, stressing the ongoing battle between dictatorship and freedom. He underscored the importance of remembering, honoring, and continuing to uphold the values of democracy.