Vladimir Putin Warns of Retaliation if Western Long-Range Missiles Strike Russia
In a stern warning amid escalating tensions, Russian President Vladimir Putin has threatened to supply long-range weapons to countries targeting Western interests if the West allows Ukraine to strike Russian territory with similar missiles. Putin emphasized that Moscow would respond proportionately if Western-supplied long-range missiles were used against Russia, highlighting the potential for dangerous escalation.
The context of Putin’s warning arises as the West, including countries like the USA and Germany, begins to authorize Ukraine to hit Russian territory under certain conditions. Such moves come after Ukraine's persistent demands for permission to strike Russian military targets. However, many Western states are cautious, fearing that these actions could provoke severe retaliation from Moscow.
Putin's remarks were made during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, where he reiterated his stance against Western military presence in Ukraine. He claimed that Western military instructors were already suffering losses in Ukraine, despite their denials. He argued that the best way to halt the conflict was for the West to stop supplying weapons to Ukraine, calling such provisions a ‘very dangerous measure.’
The Russian President also mentioned the imbalance in casualties, asserting that Russian losses were much lower than Ukrainian ones. He refused to provide specific figures but suggested a ratio of one Russian casualty for every five Ukrainian casualties.
Amid these heated discussions, Putin also commented on the broader geopolitical implications of the conflict. He warned that additional military support to Ukraine could deteriorate Russia's relations with countries like Germany, following their decision to allow strikes on Russian soil. Such military moves, he argued, are destructive to international relations and global security.
Western analysts and military experts have weighed in on the situation, debating the potential repercussions of increased Western military support to Ukraine. Some emphasize the risks of escalating tensions and unintentionally hitting civilian targets, which could lead to severe retaliatory actions from Russia.
In conclusion, while Putin's threats and the West's responses add layers of complexity to the ongoing conflict, the red lines for involvement and retaliation in the Ukraine war remain a topic of intense international scrutiny and cautious speculation.
- Putin further asserted that the losses between Russian and Ukrainian forces were significantly imbalanced, though he did not provide specific figures. He stated the ratio of Russian to Ukrainian irreparable losses was approximately one to five.
- Journalists, including those from countries deemed hostile by Russia, such as the USA and the UK, noted that Western officials and investors largely abstained from attending the St. Petersburg event due to imposed sanctions.
- Additional international investigations, including a potential French investigation into the death of AFP journalist Arman Soldin, who was killed in Ukraine, underscore the severe humanitarian impacts of the ongoing conflict.
- Experts continue to analyze the potential fallout from Western military support to Ukraine, with fears that any mishap, such as striking a civilian target, could provoke unprecedented escalation from Russia.
