Putin Warns of Supplying Long-Range Weapons to Target Western Assets

President Vladimir Putin of Russia issued a warning on Wednesday, expressing the possibility of supplying long-range weapons to other parties to target Western assets. This threat comes in response to NATO allies allowing Ukraine to use their arms against Russian territory. Putin also reiterated Russia's readiness to use nuclear weapons if its sovereignty is perceived to be at risk. The President voiced concerns that recent actions by Western nations could lead to increased tensions and pose significant challenges to international security. These statements were made during a rare interaction with international journalists, a practice that has become less common since Russian troops entered Ukraine.

Putin emphasized that any Western support for Ukraine's use of long-range weapons against Russian targets would be seen as direct involvement in a conflict against Russia. He asserted Russia's right to respond in a similar manner to such actions. The United States and Germany have granted Ukraine permission to target specific locations on Russian soil using the weapons they provided. Reports suggest that Ukraine has already used US weapons to strike inside Russia, following President Joe Biden's approval for defensive operations in Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city.

The escalating tensions between Russia and Western nations, particularly concerning Ukraine, raise serious concerns about the potential for further conflict and its impact on global security. President Putin's warnings underscore the delicate balance of power in the region and the need for diplomatic solutions to prevent a dangerous escalation of hostilities.