President Vladimir Putin issued a stern warning on Tuesday about “serious consequences” should Western countries permit Ukraine to use their weapons to strike targets within Russia. This warning follows calls from Kyiv for greater support in its defense efforts.
Putin’s remarks came in response to recent statements by French President Emmanuel Macron, who suggested that Ukraine should be allowed to “neutralize” Russian military bases from which missiles are being launched into Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also urged the international community to maintain its support and not grow weary of the ongoing conflict.
The Russian leader’s comments come amidst discussions among NATO members, including NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, about potentially allowing Ukraine to use Western-supplied arms to escalate attacks on Russian territory. Putin emphasized the gravity of such actions, particularly for smaller European nations with dense populations, warning that “this constant escalation can lead to serious consequences.”
During a visit to Uzbekistan, Putin underscored that any strikes on Russian territory, even if carried out by Ukrainian forces, would implicate Western suppliers of the weapons used. He also noted the presence of Western military instructors in Ukraine, suggesting that their official deployment would mark a significant escalation towards a broader conflict in Europe.
The debate over military support for Ukraine continues within the European Union, with countries like Germany expressing reservations about measures that could risk direct confrontation with a nuclear-armed Russia. EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell indicated that member states remain divided on sending military instructors to Ukraine.
Despite these divisions, the EU has trained 50,000 Ukrainian troops outside the conflict zone under a mission established in 2022. Zelensky has been advocating for more advanced weaponry, including longer-range missiles, to target deeper Russian positions and weaken its military capabilities.
France’s Macron has stated that while Ukraine should be allowed to target military sites launching attacks, civilian areas in Russia must remain off-limits. The White House, however, has reiterated its policy against using US-supplied weapons for strikes inside Russia, as confirmed by National Security Council spokesman John Kirby.
As the war enters its third year, Zelensky continues to rally Western support, emphasizing the importance of sustained international backing. During a European tour, he stressed that global fatigue over the conflict would benefit Russia, advocating for continued resistance against aggression.
Zelensky is also promoting a peace conference scheduled for next month in Switzerland, urging US President Joe Biden to attend. He argued that Biden’s presence is crucial, stating that a lack of participation would be akin to “applauding Putin.”
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed the planned peace conference as “hopeless” without Russia’s involvement.
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