Putin Warns Germany of Consequences Over Ukrainian Use of German Weapons
Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a stern warning to Germany on Wednesday, stating that the use of German-supplied weapons by Ukraine to strike targets inside Russia would constitute a “dangerous step” and irreparably damage Russian-German relations. This statement comes in the wake of Germany, alongside the United States, authorizing Ukraine to use long-range weapons provided by them to hit certain targets on Russian soil.
Escalating Tensions Over German Tank Deliveries
The recent delivery of German tanks to Ukraine has already shocked many in Russia, according to Putin. “If they use missiles to strike facilities on Russian territory, it will completely ruin Russian-German relations,” he warned, highlighting the potential diplomatic fallout of such actions.
Stance on Russia-US Relations
Putin, speaking at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, addressed a range of topics in his first Q&A session with international journalists since his fifth-term inauguration. He asserted that Russia’s relationship with the United States would remain unchanged regardless of whether Joe Biden or Donald Trump wins the upcoming presidential election in November. “We will work with any president the American people elect,” Putin said, expressing skepticism that the election outcome would alter American policy towards Russia. He also commented on Trump’s recent felony conviction, describing it as an example of the “use of the court system as part of the internal political struggle.”
Military Losses and POWs
Addressing questions about Russian military losses in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Putin declined to provide specific numbers, citing wartime confidentiality. He claimed, without providing evidence, that Ukrainian casualties are five times higher than those of Russia. Additionally, Putin stated that Ukraine holds over 1,300 Russian troops captive, while Russia has detained more than 6,400 Ukrainian soldiers. These figures, however, could not be independently verified.
Forum as a Platform
Putin used the annual St. Petersburg forum to promote Russia’s development and attract investors. Unlike previous years, he fielded questions from senior international journalists, including from The Associated Press, after two years of avoiding such interactions due to the conflict in Ukraine. Last year’s forum saw a noticeable absence of journalists from countries deemed unfriendly by Russia, such as the US, the UK, and the EU, alongside a significant decline in Western officials and investors due to sanctions imposed on Moscow over its actions in Ukraine.
As the conflict in Ukraine continues to dominate international discourse, Putin’s remarks underscore the growing geopolitical tensions and the potential for further deterioration in diplomatic relations between Russia and Western nations. The ongoing war and its ramifications remain a critical focus, as world leaders and international bodies navigate the complexities of this prolonged conflict.
