Putin Threatens Retaliation as NATO Denies Plans to Deploy Forces in Ukraine
Russian President Vladimir Putin has escalated tensions by threatening to deploy conventional missiles near Western countries if Ukraine continues to receive long-range Western weapons. In a significant shift in Russia's foreign policy, Putin stated that Russian arms could now be sent to states in conflict with nations supplying Ukraine.
During a meeting with senior editors of international news agencies, Putin also warned that the West should not underestimate Russia's nuclear doctrine, suggesting that Russia could consider using nuclear weapons if cornered. This was followed by remarks from Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council, emphasizing that Russia is prepared to support countries in a state of war against Western-backed Ukraine.
On the other hand, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg reaffirmed that the alliance has no plans to deploy forces within Ukraine despite the ongoing conflict and the military support various NATO members have extended to Kyiv. Speaking during his visit to Finland, which recently joined NATO, Stoltenberg stressed the need for a long-term financial commitment to Ukraine while downplaying any immediate military threat to NATO members from Russia.
While Kyiv and Moscow continue to exchange drone strikes, with Ukraine reportedly shooting down multiple Russian drones and vice versa, the ground conflict remains intense. Russia claimed its air defenses neutralized several Ukrainian drones targeting the Crimean Peninsula and the Belgorod and Rostov regions. Similarly, Ukrainian forces claim to have intercepted multiple 'Shahed' drones aimed at Mykolaiv, Zaporozhye, and Kherson regions.
Of particular concern is Russia's recent attack on an oil refinery in southern Russia, which led to operational halts though no casualties. On a related note, both Ukrainian and Russian sources reported efforts to neutralize ballistic missiles and drones on both sides, revealing the high-stakes nature of the ongoing conflict.
In addition, Russian President Vladimir Putin's comments at the St. Petersburg economic forum highlighted the precarious situation. He warned that supplying weapons to Ukraine could provoke Moscow to arm its adversaries. Putin pointed out that the involvement of Western countries in the conflict could make them direct participants, thereby justifying potential Russian retaliation.
- During his visit to Finland, NATO Secretary-General Stoltenberg underscored the organization's commitment to support Ukraine in the long haul, calling for seamless military aid to prevent gaps and delays seen in recent months.
- The Ukrainian army's successful use of the HIMARS rocket systems, supplied by the United States, has been instrumental in attacking Russian military targets. Ukrainian officials indicated that these systems have mitigated Russian attacks considerably, particularly in the Kharkiv region.
- Tensions between Russia and European countries, notably Germany, have reached new heights following Germany's decision to supply Ukraine with offensive weapons. Putin criticized Germany's stance, asserting that it jeopardized previously favorable Russian-German relations, especially with German tanks appearing in the conflict.
- Despite Moscow's escalating threats, Washington remains firm in its decision not to allow Ukraine to use long-range ATACMS missiles, requiring Kyiv to rely on shorter-range GMLRS missiles for its defense.
