Putin Warns West: F-16s in Ukraine Will Be Shot Down, But Russia Won't Attack NATO
Russian President Vladimir Putin declared that Russia has no intention of attacking NATO countries such as Poland, the Baltic states, or the Czech Republic. However, he issued a stark warning that Russian forces would shoot down any F-16 fighter jets provided to Ukraine by Western powers.
Putin's remarks, made during a speech to Russian air force pilots late Wednesday, come amidst escalating tensions between Russia and the West over the war in Ukraine. Quoted by Reuters, Putin emphasized that Russia's military expansion eastward since the collapse of the Soviet Union did not signal aggressive intentions towards NATO member states.
"We have no aggressive intentions towards these countries," Putin asserted, dismissing allegations of plans to attack NATO nations as baseless. The Kremlin has long accused the United States of fueling the conflict in Ukraine through financial, military, and intelligence support.
Regarding the promised delivery of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, Putin reiterated Russia's stance that such actions would not alter the situation on the ground. He warned that Russian forces would intercept and destroy any F-16 aircraft deployed in Ukraine, likening them to legitimate military targets.
Putin also raised concerns over the potential for F-16s to carry nuclear weapons, heightening anxieties over the escalation of hostilities. He asserted that any airports facilitating the deployment of these fighter jets would be deemed legitimate targets by Russian forces, regardless of their location.
These statements from Putin follow Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba's announcement that F-16s are expected to arrive in Ukraine in the coming months.
We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!
Bulgarian Government Labeled "Ruling Regime" by Russian Foreign Ministry
The Russian Foreign Ministry has referred to the Bulgarian government as a "ruling regime," criticizing its handling of Victory Day commemorations and Europe Day events
Putin Praises Russian-Chinese Brotherhood on China Visit
Russian President Vladimir Putin praised the enduring bond between Russia and China during the final day of his two-day visit to China
Diplomatic Tensions: Russia Expels British Military Attaché from Moscow
In response to Downing Street's accusation of sponsoring espionage and hacking attacks on British officials, Russia has expelled Britain's military attaché in Moscow
Putin's Visit to China: Strengthening Bilateral Ties Amid Global Chaos
During a meeting in Beijing, Presidents Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin hailed the relationship between China and Russia as a stabilizing influence amidst global turmoil
Putin's Reshuffle: Former Security Chief Patrushev Becomes Aide
The Kremlin has published a decree stating that Nikolai Patrushev, who was previously ousted as Vladimir Putin's security chief, will now serve as an aide to the Russian president
Russian Ministry of Defense Personnel Head Detained: Investigation Underway
Lieutenant General Yuri Kuznetsov, who serves as the head of the Main Personnel Directorate within the Russian Ministry of Defense, has been arrested on suspicion of involvement in a criminal offense