Putin salutes his forces in Ukraine and signals his country's readiness to use nuclear weapons

Russian President Vladimir Putin praised his country's forces fighting in Ukraine for more than two years, indicating that Moscow is prepared to use nuclear weapons that are on "permanent" alert if the existence of the Russian state is threatened.

Putin warned on Thursday that Russia would not tolerate any Western threats in a speech he gave during the annual military parade on the occasion of Victory Day.

In his speech held in Red Square, Putin praised his army that fought in Ukraine and accused "elites in the West" of provoking conflicts around the world.

He said, "Russia will do its best to avoid a global confrontation, but at the same time we will not allow anyone to threaten us. Our strategic forces are on constant alert."

He added: "Dear friends, today Russia is going through a difficult and decisive period. The fate and future of the motherland depend on each of us."

The Russian President reiterated that the war his country is currently waging in Ukraine is an existential battle against "Nazism," a message he reaffirmed in his speech Thursday.

“We bow before the memory of civilians killed by barbaric bombings and terrorist attacks launched by neo-Nazis,” he said.

He added: "Those on the front line, the line of contact, are our heroes. We bow before your steadfastness, sacrifice and selflessness. All of Russia is with you."

Putin resorted to the threat of nuclear weapons during the conflict, as his country withdrew last year from the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty and from a major agreement with the United States aimed at preventing the spread of weapons.

Earlier this week, he issued orders to the Russian army to organize nuclear exercises involving naval forces and soldiers stationed near Ukraine, reinforcing fears that these weapons could be used on the battlefield.