On Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin warned the West that by suggesting Ukraine be allowed to use Western weapons to attack deep inside Russia, NATO members in Europe were playing with fire and this could result in a global conflict if ignited.
Putin has been increasingly speaking about a wider global conflict for some time now as the West grapples with what to do about Russian troops advancing into Ukraine more than two years into Europe’s deadliest land war since World War Two.
Jens Stoltenberg, NATO Secretary General, told The Economist that alliance members should support Ukraine striking deeply into Russia using Western weaponry which was also backed by other NATO members but not the United States.
“Any constant escalation could have far-reaching effects” said Putin during a press conference in Tashkent. “If these far-reaching effects are felt in Europe, what would be the attitude of our American colleagues taking into account parity in strategic arms?”
“It cannot be said whether they want an all-round conflict or not”.
Thus, he added that Ukrainian missiles falling on Russian territory would require western satellites and military agents’ help – hence the west would be directly involved. For instance sending French troops to Ukraine will signify stepping towards all round conflicts.
Talking about smaller nations within NATO’s European countries such as Estonia and Latvia, Putin said “they must understand well what they play against”. This implies that these countries have very small territories with highly dense populations.
“This is something they should consider before talking about hitting deep into Russian territory,” said Putin.
RUSSIAN ADVANCES TRIGGER DEBATE IN WEST
Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine caused the worst rupture in relations with the West for 60 years and diplomats say it is escalating into its most perilous phase yet.
The invasion has killed tens of thousands of Ukrainian civilians, pushed millions abroad as refugees, and turned neighbourhoods and entire cities into ruins.
This includes Russia’s takeover of 18% of Ukraine and the opening of a new front in the Kharkiv region, which has prompted discussions in the West on what else they can do after providing Kyiv with trillions of dollars’ worth of aid, weapons, and intelligence.
Although Russia, the world’s largest nuclear power, and NATO, the most powerful military alliance worldwide led by America have repeatedly warned about the dangers of a larger war involving both sides, Western leaders and Ukraine have downplayed such threats.
Ukraine argues that it should be able to attack into Russian territory even up to Russia proper.
However Russian authorities feel that Moscow’s patience is running out following several Ukrainian strikes on their cities as well as oil refineries and most recently some elements of their nuclear early warning system.
When asked about the legitimacy of President Zelenskiy by Russian state television, Putin said parliament was now the only legitimate authority in Ukraine and its head should take over.
Since martial law was imposed after Russia invaded Ukraine Zelenskiy has not had to face an election even though his term has expired.
