Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a stern warning to Germany on Wednesday, stating that if Ukraine uses German-supplied weapons to strike inside Russia, it would be a “dangerous step.”
Germany recently joined the US in allowing Ukraine to use long-range weapons against certain targets in Russia. Putin cautioned that such actions could damage relations between Berlin and Moscow and lead to “very serious problems.” He suggested that Russia might respond by providing long-range weapons to others to target the West, stating, “That would mark their direct involvement in the war against the Russian Federation, and we reserve the right to act the same way.”
US Weapons Used in Strikes Inside Russia
A Western official and a US senator confirmed that Ukraine has used American weapons to strike inside Russia, following new guidelines approved by President Joe Biden. These guidelines allow US arms to be used to defend Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city.
Relations with the US
Putin also commented on US-Russia relations, asserting that they will remain unchanged regardless of whether Joe Biden or Donald Trump wins the upcoming US presidential election. “We will work with any president the American people elect,” he said. Putin dismissed the idea that significant changes would occur in US policies towards Russia after the election.
Military Losses and Prisoner Claims
Regarding military losses, Putin did not provide specific figures but claimed that Ukraine’s casualties are five times higher than Russia’s. He also mentioned that over 1,300 Russian troops are held captive in Ukraine, while Russia holds more than 6,400 Ukrainian soldiers. These claims have not been independently verified.
