Ukraine war: Putin threatens Ukraine statehood, warns NATO of 'colossal consequences'

Russian President Vladimir Putin has threatened the existence of Ukrainian statehood as his army's invasion of the neighbour faces stiff resistance.

"The Ukrainian authorities must understand that if they continue to do what they are doing, they are putting in question the future of Ukrainian statehood," Putin said on Saturday.

Putin also escalated warnings against NATO, threatening a wider war if a no-fly zone is set up, as his forces resumed their offensive in Ukraine after a short-lived ceasefire.

While Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been urging NATO for a no-fly zone, the alliance has so far ruled it out.

Putin warned of "colossal and catastrophic consequences not only for Europe but also the whole world" if such a step was taken.

"Any movement in this direction will be considered by us as participation in an armed conflict by that country," Putin said.