Vladimir Putin smirks as he’s asked about ‘sending everyone to heaven’ in nuclear war

Vladimir Putin smirked after he was asked to reassure the audience at the Valdai Discussion Club that the world is not on the verge of nuclear war.

Speaker, Fyodor Lukyanov told the Russian president that "a lot of people became nervous" after he pointed out the country's "nuclear presence".

The speaker asked: "Remembering your statement here four years ago that we would all go to heaven. We are in no hurry, are we?"

After responding with a long pause, Mr Lukyanov pointed out that the president’s silence was "alarming".

While smirking, Putin responded: "I did that on purpose so you would be on your guard. The effect has been achieved."

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