Russian President Vladimir Putin (Photo: AFP/ VNA)

Speaking to the media, Putin admitted that a nuclear war breaking out would be a global catastrophe. He said he has a duty to protect Russia’s national interest, adding that Russia’s survival is his first priority.

In his annual state of the nation address on March 1, President Putin announced that Russia has increased its military potential and developed some new classes of weapons, including a nuclear-powered missile that can reach anywhere and evade interception.