Putin’s Retort

Vladimir Putin, in a speech delivered in Moscow, addressed the strained relations between Russia and the West, particularly focusing on the use of Western-supplied weaponry by Ukraine to strike targets within Russia. He stated that Russia would respond swiftly and symmetrically to any escalation, potentially targeting countries providing the weapons to Ukraine.

Putin warned that such actions could lead to “serious consequences” and further escalation of the conflict, accusing NATO countries of playing with fire and risking a global conflict. He also cast doubt on the legitimacy of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, questioning who Russia would negotiate with now that Zelenskyy’s term has officially expired.

He reiterated Russia’s conditions for peace talks, which include the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from four regions claimed by Russia – Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia – a condition deemed unacceptable by Ukraine and its allies. Putin emphasized that the West underestimates Russia’s resolve and warned against any further actions that could jeopardize international security. His speech underscored the deepening divide between Russia and the West, raising concerns about a potential wider conflict.

find the original article here: https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/putin-vows-quick-response-europe-163356551.html