Putin warns of tragic consequences of NATO troop deployment in Ukraine

The results of sending NATO military contingents to Ukraine will be disastrous, Russian President Vladimir Putin has said.

"There has been talk about the possibility of sending military contingents of the NATO alliance to Ukraine. We remember the fate of those who once sent their contingents to our territory. Now the consequences for the possible interveners are going to be much more tragic," Putin said in his address to the Russian Federal Assembly, per Interfax.

The Russian head of state also said that the combat capabilities of the Russian armed forces had increased many times during the special operation. The Zirkon sea-based hypersonic strike complex has already been in combat use. The Sarmat strategic missile system has also been delivered to troops and will soon be demonstrated in combat at bases.

"The first serial heavy Sarmat ballistic missiles have also been delivered to the troops. We will soon demonstrate them on combat service in the base areas," Putin noted.

According to him, the newest weapons systems of Russia had confirmed their high and unique features. In his words, work on the new weapons will continue and "people will soon have news about them".