Russian President Vladimir Putin has asserted that Russia harbours no aggressive intentions towards NATO countries, including Poland, the Baltic states, and the Czech Republic.
He, however, issued a stern warning that if the West proceeds with supplying F-16 fighters to Ukraine, Russian forces will not hesitate to shoot them down.
Putin’s remarks come amidst escalating tensions following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, marking the most significant crisis in Russia’s relations with the West since the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962.
Speaking to Russian air force pilots, Putin emphasized Russia’s stance, as per a Kremlin transcript released on Thursday.
However, Putin warned of dire consequences if the West proceeds with supplying F-16s to Ukraine.
He asserted that such actions would not alter the situation on the battlefield and vowed to destroy any F-16 aircraft deployed in the conflict zone, likening them to legitimate targets.
Putin also raised concerns about the potential for F-16s to carry nuclear weapons, heightening the stakes in an already tense situation. He emphasized that if these aircraft were deployed from airfields in third countries, they would be deemed legitimate targets by Russian forces
