UK condemns Putin's 'reprehensible' nuclear threat, says Ukraine invasion 'failed'

Vladimir Putin, who continually misrepresents his illegal invasion of Ukraine, has warned his threats are "not a bluff" accusing the West of nuclear blackmail and said he would don't be afraid to retaliate with "many weapons"

Russian President Vladimir Putin (

Image: via Reuters)

The UK condemned Russia's "reprehensible" nuclear threats and said the mobilization of reserves was a sign that its invasion of Ukraine was "failing".

In an extraordinary televised address, Vladimir Putin claimed that the West was engaging in nuclear blackmail against Russia and was not afraid to retaliate with “a lot of weapons”.

The Russian president, who continually misrepresents the illegal invasion of Ukraine, warned that his threats were "not a bluff".

He ordered a "partial mobilization" of Russian military reserves, which according to Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu amount to around 300,000 men.

Downing Street condemned the Kremlin's "reprehensible actions" and said Putin's desperate appeal for reservists showed the invasion was stuttering.

Prime Minister Liz Truss (

Picture:

Getty Images for Empire State Re)

A spokeswoman for the Prime Minister said: "Ukraine is one of the main topics of the UN GA meeting. Putin's speech this morning and his decision to mobilize the Russian population are a clear admission that his invasion is failing.

"The UK, alongside our international partners, stands united in condemning the wrongful actions of the Russian government.

"We will continue to support the Ukrainian government in the face of this assault on their sovereign...