Moscow: President Vladimir Putin issued a stark warning on Tuesday, declaring that there would be “serious consequences” if Western countries allowed Ukraine to use their weapons to strike targets within Russia. This warning comes as French President Emmanuel Macron suggested that Kyiv should be permitted to “neutralize” Russian military bases from where missiles are being launched into Ukraine.
Putin’s comments were made during a visit to Uzbekistan and followed calls from some NATO members and the alliance’s chief, Jens Stoltenberg, advocating for Ukraine’s use of Western arms to intensify attacks on Russian soil. The conflict, now in its third year, has seen escalating rhetoric and actions from both sides.
“This constant escalation can lead to serious consequences,” Putin emphasized. “In Europe, especially in small countries, they should be aware of what they are playing with,” he added, referencing the dense populations and limited territories of many European nations.
Putin asserted that responsibility for any Ukrainian strikes on Russian territory would ultimately lie with the Western suppliers of the weapons. He also warned that the presence of Western military instructors in Ukraine, even if operating covertly as mercenaries, would constitute another significant escalation, potentially leading towards a broader conflict in Europe.
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s top commander announced ongoing discussions with France regarding the deployment of military instructors to Ukraine. Putin responded by stating, “We will do what we think is necessary regardless of who is on the territory of Ukraine.”
The debate within the EU remains heated, with EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell noting that European countries are divided on sending military instructors to Ukraine. Nations like Germany are cautious, fearing that such a move could draw them closer to direct conflict with a nuclear-armed Russia.
Ukraine continues to advocate for longer-range missiles and additional weaponry to bolster its outgunned forces. While France’s Macron has shown some support, the White House remains firm in its policy, with National Security Council spokesman John Kirby reiterating that the US does not support using American-supplied weapons to strike inside Russia.
President Volodymyr Zelensky, currently touring Europe to secure more arms and support, urged the world to remain steadfast in its support for Ukraine. “It is very important for Ukrainians that the world does not get tired… that the world understands that it cannot get tired of the war launched by the aggressor,” Zelensky stated during a visit to Portugal.
Zelensky is also pushing for a peace conference in Switzerland next month, urging US President Joe Biden to attend. He warned that Biden’s absence would be akin to “applauding Putin.” However, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed the conference as “hopeless” without Russian participation.
As the conflict continues, the international community faces increasing pressure to navigate the complex and escalating situation, with significant implications for global security and stability.
Read Now:IIT Bombay and TCS Partner to Develop Quantum Diamond Microchip Imager