Russian President Vladimir Putin has cautioned against the continued supply of long-range weapons to Ukraine, stating that such actions would equate to direct involvement in the ongoing conflict. His comments come amidst heightened tensions and intensified military activity on both sides.
During a briefing with members of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), Putin shared updates on Russia’s military operations in Ukraine and detailed the deployment of advanced Russian weaponry. He emphasized that recent strikes on Russian territory, including attempts targeting St. Petersburg and Moscow, have escalated the situation. In response, Russia launched a series of retaliatory strikes on Ukrainian targets, deploying over 100 missiles and 466 drones in a massive offensive.
Escalating Strikes and Retaliation
Putin revealed that the Russian military targeted 17 critical sites across Ukraine, including military installations, defense industrial facilities, and their supporting infrastructure. Over the past two days, Russia employed a combination of 90 missiles and 100 drones to deliver precise strikes. These operations, Putin claimed, were a direct response to the Ukrainian use of ATACMS missiles against Russian territory.
“As I have said repeatedly, there will always be a response from our side,” Putin remarked, underscoring Moscow’s resolve to counter Ukrainian offensives. He accused Ukraine of persistently attempting to hit key state facilities within Russia and suggested that these actions warrant targeted strikes on decision-making centers in Kyiv.
Legitimacy of Ukrainian Leadership
The Russian president also took aim at Ukraine’s political leadership, labeling them as illegitimate. Putin argued that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s mandate has expired and accused the current administration of being “usurpers of power.” He went further to suggest that military personnel executing orders from Kyiv are complicit in criminal activities.
“They [Ukrainian authorities] are completely illegitimate today, and from a purely legal point of view, they do not even have the right to give orders to the armed forces,” Putin asserted, adding that Western nations supplying weapons to Ukraine were enabling such alleged crimes.
A Warning to the West
Putin’s most pointed warning was directed at Western nations, which have recently announced the delivery of long-range precision weapons to Ukraine. He asserted that the use of such weapons against Russian territory is impossible without direct NATO involvement, either through military personnel or technical specialists.
“Allowing Kyiv to strike Russian territory with long-range missiles means direct involvement of the West in the conflict,” Putin said, warning of the risks of escalation. He highlighted the capabilities of Russia’s Kh-101 missile, which he claimed surpasses European systems such as Storm Shadow, Scalp, and Taurus in terms of range.
“The Russian Kh-101 missile has a warhead comparable in power to European systems but significantly exceeds them in range,” Putin noted, drawing attention to the advancements in Russian weaponry.
Outlook
Putin’s remarks highlight the fragile and volatile nature of the Ukraine conflict. As the West continues to support Kyiv militarily, the Kremlin views this as an existential threat, framing its actions as defensive responses to external provocations.
The situation remains deeply concerning, with the potential for further escalation. The inclusion of decision-making centers in Kyiv as potential Russian targets could mark a dangerous new phase in the conflict, with far-reaching implications for both regional and global stability.
The international community watches with bated breath, hoping to avert a broader confrontation, even as the rhetoric and actions on the ground suggest an intensifying standoff between Russia, Ukraine, and its Western allies.
