Vladimir Putin has been warned there will be powerful consequences if he uses any form of weapons of mass destruction in Ukraine.

Mykhailo Podoliak, an adviser to the head of the President’s Office warned on Monday evening that it is possible that Putin will use such weapons in Mariupol.

Podoliak fired a warning shot to Putin that “preventative strikes” could take place on Russian soil “from where nuclear missiles can be launched.

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He said in a televised address on Monday evening, “Russia can use weapons of mass destruction. Undoubtedly, and the president has spoken about this, that the world should understand – we should not expect the use of nuclear weapons and, all the more so, chemical weapons, but we should preventively make the Russian Federation aware that there will be powerful consequences.

“That is, there may be, including, perhaps, I’m not ready to talk about it yet, but perhaps, preventive strikes on the centers from where nuclear missiles can be launched.”

President Volodymyr Zelensky has also warned that Russia could now use nuclear weapons, and said the world must brace for a nuclear attack and countries have been strongly advised to stock up on anti-radiation treatment and build air raid shelters in the West.

The Ukrainian President told CNN, “Chemical weapons, they should do it, they could do it, for them the life of the people, nothing.

“We should think not to be afraid, not to be afraid but be ready. But that is not a question for Ukraine, not only for Ukraine but for all the world, I think.”

Zelensky warned Ukrainian media that “We shouldn’t wait for the moment when Russia decides to use nuclear weapons.

“We must prepare for that.”