Russian President Vladimir Putin said European countries should reconsider their calls to allow Ukraine to use Western weapons to attack his country.
“So these officials from NATO countries, especially those based in Europe, especially in small European countries, should be fully aware of what this is all about,” Putin said.
He added that they have to count on one factor in particular.
“They should bear in mind that their countries are small and densely populated, which is a factor to be reckoned with before they start talking about strikes deep into Russian territory,” Putin threatened.
Putin’s warnings come after several European leaders said Ukraine should be allowed to attack Russian military targets. While Ukraine is a major beneficiary of Western military aid, US restrictions still dictate that the country is not allowed to launch attacks on Russian soil.
NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg told The Economist, in an interview published on Friday, that the sanctions should be eased so that Ukraine can better defend itself.
“The time has come for the Allies to consider whether they should lift some of the restrictions they have placed on the use of weapons they have donated to Ukraine. Especially now that much fighting is taking place in Kharkiv, close to the border, to deny Ukraine the ability to use these weapons against legitimate military targets on Russian territory, that makes it very difficult for them to defend themselves,” Stoltenberg said.
But such a move, Putin warned on Tuesday, could have “serious consequences” for Europe.
“This endless escalation can lead to serious consequences. If Europe faces these serious consequences, what will the United States of America do, considering our parity in strategic weapons?” Putin said.
Stoltenberg is not the only European leader who believes that Ukraine should lead the fight against Russia.
“According to the law of war, it is perfectly possible and there is no contradiction. You have to balance the risk of escalation and the need for the Ukrainians to defend themselves,” EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said on Tuesday.
Borrell’s comments echo the views of French President Emmanuel Macron, who also called for the restrictions to be lifted on Tuesday.
“How can we explain to Ukraine that they have to protect their cities, but they don’t have the right to attack where the rockets are coming from? It’s like telling them we’re giving you weapons, but you can’t defend yourself with them,” Macron asked, Klix.ba reports.
