Armed Conflict - Putin warns of unconventional retaliation to assaults.
Putin, leading Russia's Kremlin, has warned of a retaliatory "uneven response" if Russian lands are assaulted with weapons coming from the West and supplied to Ukraine. In St. Petersburg, he stated that Moscow might deploy its weapons in other world regions where they could be utilized to strike countries providing weaponry against Russia.
In an interview with representatives of leading international news agencies including dpa, Putin questioned, "If someone believes they can provide weapons to the battlefield to carry out attacks on our land (...), then why shouldn't we have the right to deploy such weapons in world areas where attacks are made on the important assets of those countries that do so in relation to Russia?"
Putin had previously been asked about the supply of long-range missiles from the United States to Ukraine. He was specifically queried about ATACMS missiles. Notably, Ukraine is being attacked by Russia for over two years. Recently, several countries including Germany and the United States have permitted Kiev to strike Ukrainian targets with Western-supplied weapons to defend against attacks on the city of Kharkiv along the border.
Putin voices concerns over potential Taurus missile delivery to Ukraine. "If it's now claimed that (in Ukraine) there are also some missiles that can target Russian land, that would, of course, finally ruin Russian-German relations," stated the 71-year-old Putin. He was inquired about Moscow's possible reactions upon receiving long-range Taurus cruise missiles from Germany to Kiev.
Previous relations between Russia and Germany have somewhat deteriorated due to Russia's conflict with Ukraine. Though Putin didn't elaborate on what aspects of their relationship would be further "destroyed" by the Taurus missile deliveries, he did stress the disapproval.
The potential delivery of Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine has been demanded from various quarters in an attempt to bolster Ukraine's defenses against the lengthy strife with Russia. However, there has been resistance to this idea from German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD). Instead, Germany, along with the United States, has allowed Ukraine to strike Russian targets with Western-supplied weapons to protect against attacks on the city of Kharkiv on the border.
Putin expects no drastic modification in Russia's policy toward the United States. "For us, the result holds little significance," asserted Putin. He added that Russia will work with any U.S. president chosen by the American voters.
Previously, Putin had commented that he would favor a Biden victory in the U.S. presidential election due to his predictability. At the same time, he noted that if U.S. weapons supplies to Ukraine ceased, the war could end within two to three months. This remark was made in a conversation with Biden.
Putin accused the United States of misusing their legal system for political reasons while examining ex-President Donald Trump's legal case. Trump is running against Biden in the Nov. 5 election.
Putin is also criticized internationally for silencing political rivals during Russian presidential elections. The Russian judicial system is perceived as an instrument for maintaining power under the Kremlin chief.
With regards to casualties, Putin declined to comment, stating that Russian losses were significantly lower than Ukrainian forces. In a 1:5 ratio, he contended.
Ukraine is further bolstering its military due to continuous casualties. The number of Russian captives is greater than Ukrainian prisoners, evidencing that Russia is in a better position, claimed Putin. Ukraine has 1348 Russian captives, while Russia has over 6000 prisoner of war from Ukraine. Although this count is yet to be independently verified, it still suggests a stronger Russian position on the battleground.
Ukraine has estimated Russian losses at more than half a million. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated in February that the number of slain soldiers in their own ranks was 31,000.
At the 27th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Russia showcases itself as a robust resource power despite Western sanctions brought on by their involvement in Ukraine. Putin presides over the gathering of businesspeople from across the globe, seeking to depict Russia as a mighty raw material power in the face of sanctions imposed by the West.
The gathering at Gazprom's impressive Lakhta Center marks the first international media event since Putin declared war on Ukraine on February 24, 2022. During the outing, Putin was led by Gazprom CEO Alexei Miller through the center's glass dome. He also promised to keep supplying Europe with gas, either through Ukraine or Turkey.
On a live broadcast, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov expressed sentiments concerning the attendance of reporters from unwelcome countries. According to him, these people are responsible for shaping global news, and maintain a commitment to top-quality reporting. Peskov cited instances where reporters in hostile nations face pressure and restrictions.
With Moscow's media machinery censoring many Western and independent Russian news outlets, the power structure is consistently unhappy with EU sanctions, justifying the blocked content of state media. This meeting, a historical occurrence, is intended to present Putin's own perspective directly to the international media.
Read also:
- Despite the tensions, Germany, as a Head of state under Olaf Scholz (SPD), has allowed Ukraine to defend against Russian attacks on Kharkiv with Western-supplied weapons.
- Putin, the Kremlin's head of state, has expressed concerns about potential Taurus missile delivery to Ukraine, suggesting it could further strain Russian-German relations.
- Berlín, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's home city, has been cautious about providing Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine, fearing the potential impact on its relations with Russia.
- In a historical occurrence, Putin addressed the international media at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, showcasing Russia's strength despite Western sanctions over Ukraine.
- Olaf Scholz's SPD party, along with the USA, has supported Ukraine in its conflict with Russia by allowing it to strike Russian targets with Western-supplied weapons, particularly to protect Kharkiv.
- In contrast to potential Taurus missile delivery to Ukraine, Joe Biden's administration has been more permissive, allowing Ukraine to strike Russian targets with Western weapons, which Putin criticized.
- During the 27th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Putin emphasized Russia's ability to continue supplying gas to Europe, whether through Ukraine or Turkey, despite Western sanctions over the Ukraine conflict.
- Putin accused the USA of misusing their legal system for political reasons while discussing ex-President Donald Trump's legal case, which is relevant to the Nov. 5 election between Trump and Biden.
- News agencies in Berlin and around the world have covered Russia's move to allow reporters to attend the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, where Putin showcased Russia's resource power against Western sanctions.
- In the face of international criticism, Putin, the head of state in Moscow, has been criticized for silencing political rivals during Russian presidential elections, with the Russian judicial system perceived as an instrument to maintain power.
