Putin says Russia will not attack NATO, but F-16s will be shot down in Ukraine
- In Reports
- 09:32 PM, Mar 28, 2024
- Myind Staff
President Vladimir Putin stated on 27th March that Russia does not have intentions to attack any NATO member countries such as Poland, the Baltic states, or the Czech Republic. However, he warned that if the West were to provide F-16 fighters to Ukraine, Russian forces would shoot them down.
The invasion of Ukraine by Russia in February 2022 has sparked the most severe crisis in Russia's relations with the West since the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962.
Addressing Russian air force pilots, Putin mentioned that the NATO alliance, led by the United States, has expanded eastward towards Russia following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. However, he clarified that Moscow does not have any intentions to initiate an attack on a NATO member state.
Putin, as per a Kremlin transcript released on Thursday, stated that Russia harbours no aggressive intentions towards countries such as Poland, the Baltic States, and the Czech Republic. He dismissed the notion of Russia initiating attacks on these nations as absurd and baseless.
Accusing the United States of supporting Ukraine with financial aid, weapons, and intelligence, the Kremlin asserts that current relations with Washington are likely at their lowest point.
Regarding the promised supply of F-16 fighters to Ukraine, Putin expressed skepticism about its impact on the situation in Ukraine, stating that the introduction of such aircraft would not alter the dynamics on the battlefield.
Putin warned that Russian forces would target and destroy F-16 aircraft just as they do with tanks, armoured vehicles, and other military equipment, including multiple rocket launchers.
He also mentioned the possibility that F-16s could be equipped with nuclear weapons, adding that if these aircraft were deployed from airfields in other countries, they would be considered legitimate targets by Russia, regardless of their location.
Putin's statements came after Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba mentioned earlier in the day that F-16 aircraft are expected to be delivered to Ukraine in the coming months.
For over two years, Ukraine has been engaged in a full-scale conflict with Russia and has been actively seeking F-16 fighter jets for several months.
Several countries, including Belgium, Denmark, Norway, and the Netherlands, have committed to donating F-16s to Ukraine. Additionally, a coalition of nations has pledged to assist in training Ukrainian pilots to operate these aircraft.
Image Source: The Economic Times
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