Russian propagandists on Vladimir Putin’s state TV have issued a chilling warning about the war in Ukraine amid fears they are failing in the conflict.

Speaking on one of Russia‘s main talk shows, filmmaker Karen Shakhnazarov warned that the war in Ukraine could result in a nuclear strike due to the West’s support for the country.

Issuing a dire warning to Ukraine’s allies in the West, including the UK, he said: “I have a feeling that the West and Europe believe in their own victory.

“We constantly say that we will win…I think you should win first and talk later.”

He added that the West is hoping for disorder to arise within Russia rather than Moscow being defeated in conventional conflict.

This, he says, is because Russia would launch a nuclear strike should European troops come into direct conflict with Moscow’s forces.

Shakhnazarov added: “They aren’t getting armed to wage war, they aren’t idiots.

“They understand if they start a war it will give us the moral right to carry out a nuclear strike.”

Putin is facing more criticism within Russia for the war in Ukraine as Russian troops fail to push back the Ukrainians.

Vyacheslav Markhayev, an opposition politician in Russia, said Putin must end the war in Ukraine now, with Russia on the “brink of a social explosion.”

He said: “We need a clear, public plan to end the special military operation, based on Russia’s national interests.

“The time for illusions has passed.

“The country is on the brink of a social explosion, and full responsibility for this will lie with the irremovable authorities.”