Putin Warns NATO Against Arming Ukraine for Strikes on Russia

Emmanuel EjioforMay 28, 20241 Mins read1k

Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned NATO on Tuesday about the risks of allowing Ukraine to use Western missiles to attack deep inside Russia, saying it could lead to a global conflict.

Speaking in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, Putin cautioned NATO members about the potential consequences.

“Constant escalation can lead to serious consequences,” he said. “If these serious consequences occur in Europe, how will the United States behave, bearing in mind our parity in strategic weapons?”

Putin’s warning came as NATO Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg, suggested that NATO members should consider letting Ukraine strike deep into Russia with Western weapons. While some NATO members supported this idea, the United States did not.

Putin argued that such Ukrainian strikes would require Western intelligence and military support, effectively involving the West directly in the conflict. He also mentioned that sending French troops to Ukraine would be a step towards a global conflict.

Addressing smaller European NATO members, Putin said they should be aware of the risks. He said these smaller countries “should be aware of what they are playing with,” noting their small land areas and dense populations. Putin said, “This is a factor they should keep in mind before talking about striking deep into Russian territory.”