President Vladimir Putin issued a stark warning on Wednesday, stating that Russia could provide long-range weapons to third parties capable of striking Western targets. This threat comes in response to NATO allies allowing Ukraine to use their weapons to attack Russian territory. Putin also reaffirmed Moscow’s readiness to employ nuclear weapons if Russia’s sovereignty is compromised.
In a rare question-and-answer session with international journalists since the invasion of Ukraine, Putin expressed deep concern over the West’s recent actions. He stated that they could further jeopardize international security, potentially leading to ‘very serious problems.’
Putin added that if Western nations deem it acceptable to supply Ukraine with weapons for use against Russia, then Moscow reserves the right to take ‘asymmetrical’ measures by providing similar weapons to regions worldwide that could target sensitive facilities of those involved.
Regarding the conditions for using its nuclear arsenal, Putin emphasized that they are clearly outlined in Russia’s security doctrine. He stressed that any actions threatening Russia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity could prompt the use of all available means, including nuclear weapons.
Putin also downplayed the significance of the upcoming US presidential election on Russia-US relations. He stated that Russia would ‘work with any president the American people elect,’ expressing skepticism over any significant changes in Washington’s stance toward Moscow.
The Russian leader discussed various topics during the session, with the ongoing conflict in Ukraine dominating the conversation. He claimed that the West had opportunities to end the fighting but failed to act. Putin cited a letter he allegedly wrote to US President Joe Biden, suggesting the possibility of ending hostilities within two to three months if the US stopped arming Ukraine.
On the issue of military losses, Putin declined to disclose specific figures, citing the ongoing nature of the conflict. However, he asserted that Ukraine’s casualties significantly outnumber Russia’s, without providing detailed evidence. He also mentioned that Ukraine holds over 1,300 Russian troops captive, while Russia detains over 6,400 Ukrainian soldiers. The accuracy of these claims could not be independently verified, and Western estimates suggest higher Russian casualties.
Putin addressed the case of US journalist Evan Gershkovich, who has been detained in Russia for over a year on espionage charges. He stated that the US is actively seeking his release, but emphasized that such matters are typically resolved discreetly and through a reciprocal approach.
The meeting with journalists took place at the new Gazprom headquarters in St. Petersburg, a symbolic venue for Putin to showcase Russia’s development and attract investors. Despite hosting similar sessions in the past, Putin had not faced questions from Western journalists at the event since the start of the Ukraine conflict. Last year, journalists from nations deemed unfriendly by Russia, including the US, UK, and EU, were excluded from the forum, and Western officials and investors largely stayed away due to the sanctions imposed on Moscow over its actions in Ukraine.
