Putin hints at tough measures against Western military aid to Ukraine
Russian leader addresses possible counter-actions to Western long-range weapons in Ukraine conflict. Statement comes as NATO countries discuss expanding military support for Kyiv
In a high-stakes message last year Vladimir Putin made clear Russias position on Western military support: Moscow wont stay quiet if Ukraine gets long-range weapons from its allies
The statement came through a video-chat with state-tv reporter (who works for official media channels); where Putin outlined potential counter-measures. “Our defense ministry thinks about ways to respond to far-reaching attacks on Russian land - theyʼll have different options ready“ he pointed out
The Russian leaders warning focused on NATO and US military aid which could let Ukraine hit targets deep inside Russia: this represents a red-line for Moscow. His words show how Moscow sees Western weapon supplies as a direct threat to its security - even though Ukraine says it needs them for self-defense
The timing of Putins message matched growing talks between Western countries about sending more advanced weapons to Kyiv‚ but experts say its hard to know if these are just empty threats or real plans
