The United States would respond to any use of nuclear weapons in Ukraine by Vladimir Putin with a "devastating strike," the former commander of the United States Army has threatened.

Today, the Russian president issued a terrifying warning to the West, vowing to employ "every available means" to defend Russia.

When Putin warned that Russia would use its weapons of mass destruction if its territory was threatened, he added, "This is not a bluff."

He continued to accuse the West of "nuclear blackmail" and said that "high-ranking representatives of the leading NATO states" had discussed the potential use of WMD against Russia.

Mr. Putin stated, "To those who make such statements about Russia, I would like to remind you that our country possesses a variety of destructive capabilities."

Ben Hodges, a former lieutenant general, stated that the United States might destroy Russia's Black Fleet or its bases in Crimea "in a devastating strike" in response to Putin's warning.

"He [Putin] knows that the United States will have to respond if Russia uses a nuclear weapon," Gen. Hodges told MailOnline, adding that the United States reprisal "may not be nuclear."

Moscow-controlled regions in eastern and southern Ukraine are scheduled to have referendums on joining Russia, which might provide the Kremlin with a pretext for a wider war, as Mr. Putin could claim that sections of his state were under attack.

Ben Wallace, defense secretary of the United Kingdom, stated that Mr. Putin's actions were "an admission that his invasion is failing."

The truth that Ukraine is winning this battle, the international world is united, and Russia is becoming a global pariah cannot be concealed by any amount of threats or propaganda.

Gillian Keegan, minister for the foreign office, questioned whether Vladimir Putin was "in control."

She told Sky News, "Some of the language used at the end was quite alarming, and we would urge calm."