Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a stern warning to the West about the escalating conflict in Ukraine, highlighting the potential for dire global consequences.
“Constant escalation can lead to serious consequences,” Putin told reporters.
“If these serious consequences occur in Europe, how will the United States behave, bearing in mind our parity in the field of strategic weapons? It’s hard to say – do they want a global conflict?”
Putin’s comments were made during a press briefing in Tashkent, where he also addressed the role of NATO members in Europe.
He warned that smaller European countries should consider the risks associated with provoking Russia.
“Small countries there should be aware of what they are playing with,” Putin said, noting their small land areas and dense populations. “This is a factor that they should keep in mind before talking about striking deep into Russian territory.”
The comments came in response to recent statements by French President Emmanuel Macron, who has signalled a more aggressive stance regarding Ukraine‘s use of Western-supplied weapons.
Macron, during a press conference with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, suggested that Ukraine should be allowed to target specific Russian military sites.
“We are sending weapons to Ukraine but tell them they can’t use it,” Macron argued, criticising the inconsistency in the West’s support strategy.
Holding a map of Ukraine’s borders with Russia, he stressed the necessity for Ukraine to defend itself against missile attacks launched from Russian bases.
He said: “How can we explain to Ukrainians that they must protect their cities, notably Kharkiv, if we, at the same time, tell them they cannot target bases Russian missiles are being launched from?”
Macron then gave the green light for Ukraine to “neutralise identified targets” from which missiles are being launched, while stressing the importance of avoiding civilian infrastructure and indiscriminate military targets.
Despite this stance, he reiterated France’s commitment to supporting Ukraine without escalating the conflict further.