Sergei Chemezov, a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin and CEO of the state-owned defense conglomerate Rostec, has issued a stark warning about the potential for global conflict. In a rare glimpse into the thinking of Putin's inner circle, Chemezov expressed concern that the United States and its Western allies could trigger a worldwide war if they continue to "provoke" the conflict in Ukraine and allow attacks on Russian territory.
Chemezov's comments come in the wake of a surprising Ukrainian incursion into Russia's Kursk region, to which Putin has promised a "worthy" response. The Rostec CEO, who supplies many of Russia's arms for the ongoing conflict, asserted that Russia feels confident and has sufficient weapons more than two years into what the Kremlin terms a "special military operation" in Ukraine.
"In a situation where the West, led by the United States, provokes war, we must be ready. The third year of the special operation is under way – Russia feels confident."
Chemezov portrayed the Ukraine conflict as a battle between East and West, echoing the Kremlin's stance. He accused the U.S. of fueling the conflict by supplying weapons to Kyiv and allowing strikes deep into Russian territory. The former KGB general, who served with Putin in East Germany before the Soviet Union's collapse, warned of the increasing risk of a global conflict if the situation continues to escalate.
Addressing the economic impact of Western sanctions, Chemezov dismissed claims of empty shelves in Russian shops as a "myth." He stated that Rostec has increased weapons production significantly and plans to expand its workforce by tens of thousands this year. The CEO viewed the departure of Western companies like Boeing and Airbus from the Russian market as an opportunity for Rostec.
Despite challenges in the global arms market, with Russia's share declining in 2023 due to the Ukraine conflict, Chemezov expressed optimism about future weapons exports. He claimed there are signs of significant delayed demand from abroad, partly due to Russian weapons being proven on the battlefield in Ukraine.
As the conflict in Ukraine continues, Chemezov's remarks offer insight into Russia's perspective on the war and its potential global implications. The situation remains tense, with both sides showing no signs of backing down in what has become a protracted and complex international crisis.