ST. PETERSBURG, June 5 - Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a stark warning, stating that Russia is prepared to take maximum measures, including the use of nuclear weapons, to counter any threats to its territory.

Speaking at the annual International Economic Forum in St. Petersburg, Putin expressed his anger over the supply of long-range weapons to Ukraine and their subsequent use against Russian targets. He indicated that Moscow might respond by supplying arms to various countries for potential attacks on Western targets, though he did not specify which nations could be involved.

"The United States is the only country to have used nuclear bombs during World War II, dropping two 20-kiloton bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki," Putin remarked. "Our strategic nuclear weapons are 70 to 75 kilotons. Do not force or provoke us."

Putin stressed that Russia has no intention of attacking NATO countries unless provoked. However, he made it clear that any threat to Russia's sovereignty and territorial integrity would be met with all necessary measures.