Putin warned that any country intervening in Ukraine would face a lightning response. He stated that Russia has all the tools no one can boast of. He said we would use them if necessary. Also, he referred to ballistic missiles and nuclear arms. However, Ukraine’s allies stepped out of the supply of weapons. This was because the US vowed to make sure that Ukraine defeats Russia.
Western officials said that Russia is hampering the efforts of the East. For example, Russia launched a major offensive to seize the Donbas region. This was after Russia’s withdrawal from the areas around the Capital, Kyiv. An official even mentioned that Russian forces are facing difficulties. They are also suffering losses.
The European Commission even accused Russia of blackmail after Moscow cut off gas exports to Poland and Bulgaria. Ursula von der Leyen, the Commission’s President, stated that it shows Russia’s unreliability as a supplier.
The Kremlin mentioned that Russia got forced into action by the unfriendly steps of Western nations. Gazprom’s cut-off got followed by Poland and Bulgaria’s refusal to pay for gas in Russian roubles. This was a demand by President Vladimir Putin in March. This designed to shore up the faltering currency battered by Western sanctions.
Putin also made comments speaking to Russian lawmakers in the northern city of St Petersburg.
He said, “If someone from the outside tries to intervene in Ukraine and create strategic threats for Russia, our response will be lightning fast. We have all the tools [to respond] that no one can boast of. And we will not be bragging about them; we will use them if necessary.”
Putin added that all decisions are on what response would include. Moreover, it has already been made. And no further details will add. Russia invaded Ukraine on 24 February.
Within days, Putin ordered his military to put Russia’s nuclear deterrence forces on alert. Analysts also suggested that such threats are a way to warn Ukraine’s allies not to intervene.
Putin promised to ramp up military support for Ukraine. This was after speaking at a summit held by Western Nations in Germany. Lloyd Austin, US Defence Secretary, also pledged to move heaven and earth to make sure Ukraine won the war.
There was recently an increase in several pledges to increase military support to Ukraine. This also includes Germany’s announcement that it will send 50 anti-aircraft tanks in a sharp U-turn in policy.
Credits: BBC
