Amidst the Russia-Ukraine war, President Vladimir Putin has warned that if Russia is attacked with Tomahawk-like missiles within its territory, the response will be shocking. Putin stated that Russia will defend its sovereignty at all costs.
Vladimir Putin: Amidst the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, tensions have now escalated further. Russian President Vladimir Putin stated in a stern tone on Thursday that if Russia is attacked with long-range missiles like Tomahawk within its territory, Russia's response will be "forceful and shocking." Putin's statement comes at a time when the United States and its allies are considering providing advanced weapons to Ukraine.
A Self-Respecting Nation Does Not Yield to Pressure
In his televised address at the 17th Congress of the Russian Geographical Society, Putin stated that no self-respecting nation can bow to external pressure, especially not a country like Russia. He said that Western countries are continuously exerting economic and strategic pressure on Russia, but Russia's policy is to defend its sovereignty. He recalled that most US sanctions on Russia were imposed during the first term of the Trump administration.
Displeasure Over New Sanctions
In his address, Putin also mentioned the cancellation of the Budapest talks and the new US sanctions imposed on Russia's two largest oil companies, Rosneft and Lukoil. He stated that all these are attempts to put pressure on Russia. Putin informed that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is trying to obtain long-range weapons from Western countries to attack within Russian territory. He clearly stated that if this happens, Russia's response will be something the world has never imagined.
Impact of US Sanctions on Russia
Recently, the US imposed new sanctions on Russian oil companies aimed at limiting Russia's energy revenues. The US administration states that these steps were taken to weaken Russia's economic power in the Ukraine war. However, Russia has called it unfair and provocative. Putin said that Western countries want to break Russia's economy, but Russia has emerged ber each time.
Dialogue is Better Than War
In his speech, Putin said that Russia always prioritizes dialogue because it is a better option than any dispute or war. He stated that Russia seeks a peaceful resolution to any conflict, but if weapons are raised against it, it will not remain silent. Putin also commented on US sanctions, saying that they would harm American consumers because global oil prices would rise. He warned that if sanctions on Russian crude oil continue, the impact would reach the American public.
Russia's Strategic Military Drills
Amidst Putin's statement, Russia has conducted a major military exercise of its strategic nuclear forces. The exercise involved testing intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and cruise missiles. This exercise took place under the supervision of President Putin and was described as important for evaluating Russia's defense preparedness. However, the United States and NATO countries have termed it Russia's 'show of strength' strategy.
Escalating Controversy Over Arming Ukraine
The United States and European countries are continuously providing military aid to Ukraine. Now, discussions have intensified about providing long-range cruise missiles like Tomahawk to Ukraine. The range of these missiles is long enough to strike deep inside Russia. Russia considers this a direct threat to its national security. Putin stated that if such weapons are provided to Ukraine, Russia will consider it a declaration of war against itself, and the consequences will be very serious.
