Putin Discusses NATO, Western Weapons, and Ukraine War Dynamics in Exclusive Interview
Russian President Vladimir Putin, in an exclusive interview with ANSA and several other leading international agencies, addressed multiple pressing issues. Denying any ambitions to attack NATO, Putin described such claims as "nonsense" and emphasized the disparity between Russian and NATO capabilities. He firmly stated, "Russia has no imperial ambition."
Putin warned that Russia could escalate its response to Ukraine's utilization of Western missiles by supplying similar weapons to regions capable of launching sensitive attacks on countries arming Ukraine. He stressed this could precipitate "very serious problems," underscoring the danger inherent in delivering weapons to active conflict zones, particularly with external control.
On the ground, Putin claimed that Ukrainian military losses significantly outweigh Russian casualties, declaring Ukraine loses 50,000 soldiers monthly. He further noted that Western military instructors face losses in Ukraine, a fact which is underreported by the United States and European nations.
Amid the ongoing conflict, Putin acknowledged Italy for its measured stance towards Russia compared to other European nations. He expressed hope in restoring Italy-Russia relations post-conflict stabilization more swiftly than with other countries.
Putin vehemently denied accusations of Russian disinformation campaigns in Europe, accusing European authorities of deflecting from their internal issues. He criticized the US for supporting Ukraine not for Ukrainian interests but to maintain global leadership.
In a broader geopolitical context, Putin commented on the situation in Gaza, describing it as a "total extermination of the civilian population." He also highlighted the positive trajectory of Russia-Iran relations, particularly in high technology collaborations despite existing sanctions.
- The situation in Ukraine remains critical as more states support the use of Western weapons against Russian targets. The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) identifies this phase as crucial for Ukraine's defense and future counteroffensives.
- Ukraine's struggle is amplified with mounting losses and the significant pressure from Russian offensives, especially in the Kharkiv Oblast. Although Western weapons aid Ukraine, initial constraints limited their usage to Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories.
- Following US and Germany's approval, Ukraine is now authorized to use Western weapons within Russian border regions. President Biden’s administration has reportedly allowed these operations in areas near Kharkiv, foreseeing such policy adjustments as inevitable.
- Despite these clearances, the extent to which Ukrainian forces can target deeper Russian territories remains uncertain. Yet, the ISW asserts that limiting Ukrainian strikes to border areas grants Russia defensive advantages, though expanded Western support could enhance Ukraine's countermeasures against Russian advances.
