On Thursday, the United States swung hits at Russia in two separate contradictory statements. 

State Department spokesman Matthew Miller denounced Russian President Vladimir Putin's statements regarding the risk of a nuclear war, saying "It is not the first time we see such an irresponsible rhetoric from Vladimir Putin," adding that it is not an acceptable way to speak.

Putin had cautioned Western nations, stating that sending troops to engage in the war in Ukraine could lead to the risk of provoking a nuclear war.

"We did not start this war in Donbas. As I have said many times, we will do everything to end it, to eradicate Nazism. To fulfill all the tasks of the special military operation. To protect the sovereignty and security of our citizens," he stressed.

Meanwhile, he emphasized that Moscow possesses the capability to target locations in the West with its weapons. The ongoing war in Ukraine has resulted in the most significant crisis in Moscow's relations with the West since the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962.

Read more: The US fortifies its security using Ukrainian troops: Report

While Putin has previously expressed concerns about a confrontation between NATO and Russia, his nuclear warning on Thursday marked one of his most unequivocal statements on the matter.

In another statement, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said NATO would have to participate in the war against Russia if Ukraine loses the war. 

Austin stated before a House Armed Services Committee hearing, "Quite frankly, I really believe that NATO will be in a fight with Russia if Ukraine falls."

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova responded saying Austin's statement unveils the aggressive nature of the US. 

"Is this a direct threat to Russia or an attempt to come up with an excuse for [Ukrainian President Volodymyr] Zelensky? Either option is insane. But now everyone can see who the aggressor is — it is Washington," she said. 

Read more: Two years into Ukraine war, West fails to contain Russia: NYT