The statue of Grand Princess Olga of Kyiv, is fitted with a mock flack jacket, in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, March 13, 2024. President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday that Russia is ready to use nuclear weapons if its sovereignty or independence is threatened, issuing another blunt warning to the West just days ahead of an election in which he's all but certain to secure another six-year term. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)