Russia warns of deploying advanced, long-range missiles.
Update: Putin Warns of Missile Deployment if West Allows Ukraine to Use Long-Range Weapons on Russian Territory
Russian President Vladimir Putin has threatened to deploy missiles within range of the Western countries if they allow Ukraine to use long-range weapons on Russian soil. In a meeting with foreign journalists in St. Petersburg, Putin said that similar high-tech long-range missiles could be stationed near countries that allow Ukraine to use certain missiles on Russian territory. He specifically mentioned American ATACMS, as well as British and French missile systems. However, Putin did not specify where the Russian missiles would be stationed.
Update: German Arms Manufacturer Unable to Provide Ukraine with Quick Material
Ralf Ketzel, the managing director of the German arms manufacturer KNDS, has revealed that his company is unable to provide Ukraine with more supplies quickly. In an interview with the German online portal web.de, Ketzel said, "The ability to deliver something quickly has been exhausted." He added that they should have made the strategic decision to supply new material for a long war two years ago.
Update: Putin Advocates for Expanding Ties with the Taliban
Putin expressed his desire to strengthen Russia's relations with the Taliban, who are in power in Afghanistan. During a meeting with foreign journalists at the International Economic Forum in St. Petersburg, Putin stated, "We have always believed that we have to deal with reality." Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov had announced last week that Moscow plans to remove the Taliban from the list of banned terrorist organizations, which they have been on since 2003.
Update: Nawalnaya Accepts Freedom Prize on Behalf of Alexander Nawalny's Foundation
Julia Nawalnaya, the widow of Russian Kremlin critic Alexei Nawalny, and the foundation of the deceased activist have been awarded the Freedom Prize of Deutsche Welle. In her acceptance speech, Nawalnaya confirmed that she and the foundation will continue Nawalny's work. She said, "Putin murdered my husband Alexei Nawalny, but he didn't silence his ideas." Despite warning against Russian disinformation and false experts in the European Union ahead of the European elections, Nawalnaya remained hopeful, saying, "We will continue to fight. In the end, freedom of speech will overcome the 'poison of propaganda.'"
Update: Fire at Novotsyugansk Oil Refinery, Drone Attack Suspected
A fire has broken out at an oil refinery in the Russian city of Novotsyugansk. Russian media reported several explosions before the fire. The governor of the region bordering Ukraine, Rostov, has confirmed a drone attack, and rescue services are in action. The refinery was also the target of a Ukrainian drone attack in March.
Update: USA Expects Russian Naval Exercises in the Caribbean
A US government representative has revealed that the United States expects Russia to conduct more intense naval and air force exercises near its territory this summer. The representative said that these activities would be considered part of routine naval activities and would not pose a direct threat to the United States. "It's about Russia showing that it can still project global power." The US Navy will continue to monitor the exercises.
Update: Putin Denies Claims of Threatening to Use Atomic Weapons
Putin has denied the claims made by Western countries that he threatened to use "a kind of atomic bomb." He asked, "Did I raise the possibility of using atomic weapons? You did." He also dismissed concerns of a Russian invasion of NATO territory as "bullshit." "You've come up with the idea that Russia wants to attack NATO. Have you all gone crazy? Are you as dumb as this table?" Putin remarked.
Update: Putin Defends Meetings with AfD Politicians
Putin defended meetings between Russian representatives and AfD (Alternative for Germany) politicians, saying, "We will cooperate with anyone who wants to cooperate with Russia." Putin also refuted claims of Russian involvement in German domestic affairs, saying, "We see no signs of neo-Nazism in the actions of the AfD." He added that there are no "systemic relations" between Moscow and the German opposition party. However, if someone advocates normal relations with Russia, then Moscow will support that.
In summary, Russian President Vladimir Putin has threatened to deploy missiles within range of the Western countries if they allow Ukraine to use long-range weapons on Russian territory. Julia Nawalnaya, the widow of Russian Kremlin critic Alexei Nawalny, has received the Freedom Prize of Deutsche Welle, and questioned the credibility of Western disinformation and false experts in the European Union. A fire has broken out at an oil refinery in Russia, and is suspected to be a drone attack. The United States expects Russia to conduct more intense naval and air force exercises near its territory this summer. Putin has denied that he threatened to use atomic bombs and dismissed concerns of a Russian invasion of NATO territory. Putin expressed his support for collaboration with AfD politicians.
Vladimir Putin, the Russian president, has openly declared his readiness to look into the circumstances surrounding the death of a journalist from Agence France-Presse (AFP), Arman Soldin. During a gathering with journalists from various international news agencies in St. Petersburg, Putin expressed his willingness to delve into the case, saying, "We'll do what we can." He added, "But I'm not sure how it'll play out in practice, as he died in a war zone." Previously, the Kremlin had stated that Russia couldn't investigate Soldin's death since he was in a region controlled by Ukraine. Tragically, Soldin, a video journalist, lost his life on May 9, 2023, when he was just 32 years old. He was reporting on Ukrainian soldiers near the front when hit by a rocket attack close to the disputed Ukrainian city of Bachmut.
Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has announced that Russia will be sending additional military equipment and trainers to Burkina Faso to boost the defense capabilities of the West African nation. This drive for closer ties is part of a diplomatic push by the Kremlin, as they aim to form new relationships. Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Lavrov has paid a visit to Africa nine times. He stated, "Since the first contacts between our countries shortly after the military coup in 2022, Russia and Burkina Faso have been working very closely together in all areas, including the development of military and military-technical relations." By having a foothold in Burkina Faso, Russia gains a supporter for military support that does not back the war but also refrains from criticizing it.
Additionally, Putin has stated that he doesn't anticipate any significant shift in the United States' policy towards Russia following the presidential election. "For us, the outcome won't matter a lot," said Putin during a media meeting in St. Petersburg. "We'll work with whoever the American public chooses as their leader." In the past, Putin had opined that he would rather see Joe Biden reelected, as the president is deemed more stable. He also criticized the legal issues against former president Donald Trump, who is going against Biden in the November 5 election.
In the same meeting, Putin provided an estimated figure of more than 6,000 Ukrainian prisoners of war in Russia. This number is greater than the tally of Russian soldiers and officers in Ukrainian captivity. However, this information couldn't be independently verified. Putin was responding to a question about the Russian casualties during the war. Both sides have been hesitant to release specific numbers about their losses. He also claimed that Ukraine has sustained far higher losses than Russia in the conflict. Conversely, the Ukrainian side contends that their casualties are outweighed by the number of Russian soldiers killed in the war.
Lastly, Putin has warned against Ukrainian troops making use of German weapons on Russian soil. Such an action would be a hazardous move, Putin asserted at the same meeting with international journalists. The delivery of German tanks to Ukraine in the past year provoked strong reactions in Russia. Putin cautioned, "If they now employ missiles to attack structures on Russian territory, it'll annihilate Russian-German relations." The gathering at the Lakhta Center, a gas corporation owned by Gazprom, was the first significant international summit since Putin's war with Ukraine.
Read also:
- In response to the threat of Ukraine using long-range weapons on Russian territory, Russia has warned of deploying advanced, long-range missiles that could reach Western countries.
- The ongoing Ukraine conflict has led to concerns about cyberwar, with Russia reportedly carrying out cyberattacks against Ukraine and its allies.
- NATO has expressed concern over the escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine, calling for a peaceful resolution to the conflict and condemning any attacks on Ukrainian territory.
- The US and NATO have increased their military presence and operations near Ukraine's border to deter any further Russian aggression and protect their allies in the region.
