Putin assures Russia won't attack NATO countries

Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on Wednesday that Russia harbors no intentions of attacking any NATO member states, including Poland, the Baltic states, or the Czech Republic.

However, he issued a stark warning that Russian forces would shoot down F-16 fighter jets supplied by the West to Ukraine.

Speaking to Russian air force pilots, Putin emphasized that despite NATO's expansion eastward since the collapse of the Soviet Union, Moscow does not have aggressive plans toward NATO-aligned nations. He dismissed suggestions of attacking other countries as "complete nonsense."

Putin's remarks come amidst heightened tensions following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, which has led to a significant deterioration in relations between Russia and the West, reminiscent of the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962.

The Kremlin has consistently accused the United States of supporting Ukraine with funds, weapons, and intelligence, characterizing it as an act of aggression against Russia. Putin asserted that supplying F-16s to Ukraine would not alter the situation on the battlefield, vowing to destroy any such aircraft, including those potentially carrying nuclear weapons.

Responding to Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba's earlier statements regarding the impending arrival of F-16s in Ukraine, Putin reiterated that if these aircraft were deployed from airfields in third countries, they would become legitimate targets for Russian forces.

Ukraine, which has been engaged in a conflict with Russia for over two years, has long sought F-16 fighter jets. Several NATO member states, including Belgium, Denmark, Norway, and the Netherlands, have pledged to donate F-16s to Ukraine, along with commitments to provide training for Ukrainian pilots.

Putin's declaration underscores the volatile situation in Eastern Europe as tensions continue to escalate between Russia and the West over the conflict in Ukraine.

Source: Newsroom