In a series of statements on state television after the NATO summit in Vilnius, where Ukraine eventually secured a commitment to membership, Putin reiterated his position.
“The delivery of new weapons will worsen the situation (…) and further fuel the conflict,” Putin said.
Asked about France’s decision to supply Ukraine with long-range cruise missiles capable of a range of 250 kilometers, Putin said: “Yes, they cause damage, but nothing important will happen with their use in the war zone.”
The Kremlin chief added that the foreign-made tanks were “a priority target for our comrades.”
Western countries have provided Ukraine with billions of dollars worth of weapons since Russian forces invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, in what Putin calls a “special military operation” to “denazify” Ukraine.
At a summit in the Lithuanian capital Vilnius this week, NATO leaders agreed that Ukraine could join the military alliance at some point in the future, but did not extend an immediate invitation to Kiev.
The G7 countries also released an international framework for Ukraine’s long-term security to strengthen its defenses against Russia and deter Moscow from future aggression.
In his first public response to the moves, Putin reiterated Moscow’s staunch opposition to Ukraine joining NATO, saying it would threaten Russia’s own strategic interests.
It does not increase Ukraine’s security. In general, it will make the world more vulnerable,” the Russian president said.
Any country has the right to improve its security, but not at the expense of another country.
Photo: Profimedia Images
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