- author, George Wright
- Role, BBC News
Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that Moscow may arm countries to attack Western targets.
Putin made this statement criticizing the West’s delivery of long-range weapons to Ukraine.
Several countries, including the United States, have given Ukraine the green light to strike targets inside Russia.
Putin told foreign journalists that such a measure could lead to “very serious problems.”
He added: “If someone believes that it is possible to supply such weapons to a war zone to attack our territory and create problems for us, then why do we not have the right to supply weapons of the same category to areas of the world where there will be strikes?” On the sensitive installations of those countries?” the Russian president said.
“That is, the response could be asymmetrical. We will think about it.”
He did not specify which countries Moscow could supply weapons to.
Putin said: “When they say that there will be more missiles that will hit targets on Russian territory, this completely destroys Russian-German relations.”
Ukraine has used U.S. weapons to strike Russia in recent days, a U.S. senator and a Western official told The Associated Press on Wednesday.
Fierce fighting has been taking place northeast of Kharkiv since the new Russian incursion across the northern border of Ukraine. Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second largest city, is located just 30 kilometers from the border.
Ukraine says North Korean missiles are used inside Ukrainian territory, and Western intelligence agencies say Russia is using Iranian-made drones in the conflict.
Russia launched a large-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Putin was speaking to foreign journalists at the annual International Economic Forum in St. Petersburg.
He also warned that the West is wrong to assume that Moscow will never use nuclear weapons.
“For some reason, the West believes that Russia will never use it,” Putin said when asked by Reuters about the danger of nuclear escalation regarding Ukraine.
He added: “We have a nuclear doctrine, look at what it says. If someone’s actions threaten our sovereignty and territorial integrity, we consider it possible for us to use all the means available to us.”
“This should not be taken seriously, superficially.”
Putin also rejected the idea that Russia has plans to attack NATO territory.
“You shouldn’t make Russia the enemy. You’re only hurting yourself with this, you know?” Mr. Putin said.
“They thought Russia wanted to attack NATO. Are you completely crazy? This is as thick as this table.”
Who came up with this? It’s just complete bullshit, you know? Total garbage.”