US warns of ‘catastrophic consequences’ for Russia in face of nuclear threats

A Russian drone strike in Ukraine overnight near Odesa sparked a massive fire and explosion, the Ukrainian military said Monday. The attack came just hours after the United States vowed to take decisive action and promised “catastrophic consequences” if Russia used nuclear weapons in Ukraine following a threat from Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The war in Ukraine is only intensifying as world leaders in the West prove their loyalty to Ukraine, including the U.S. After several small skirmishes seen as Ukrainian victories, Russia has fought back with a vengeance. Overnight, there were scenes of explosions rocking Ukraine as airstrikes targeted a Ukrainian military base and weapons and ammunition were set on fire. Last week, Russian President Vladimir Putin made threats to use nuclear weapons in a speech to Russia.

“Vladimir Putin remains intent, you heard from President Biden, on wiping out Ukrainian people,” Secretary of Defense Jake Sullivan said. “He does not believe Ukraine should have a right to exist, so he’s going to keep coming, and we have to keep coming, with weapons, ammunition, intelligence, all the support we can provide to the Ukrainians as they defend their land, their freedom and their democracy.”

Russia is holding elections in Ukraine now. Residents are voting on whether the regions should be annexed by Russia. Voting will end Tuesday. Russia is also sending in an extra 300,000 troops. The first wave of new deployments arrived at military bases Monday.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.