Russian President Vladimir Putin, during a meeting with defence officials on Monday, accused the West of pushing Russia to its “red lines,” referring to situations Moscow has clearly outlined it will not tolerate. Putin emphasized that Russia had been forced to respond, citing concerns over U.S. development and potential deployment of short and medium-range missiles. He warned that if the U.S. proceeded with these deployments, Russia would lift all of its voluntary restrictions on the deployment of its own missiles.
In addition, Putin highlighted Russia’s recent military advancements in Ukraine, claiming that Russian forces had taken control of 189 settlements so far this year. He reassured that Russia’s nuclear weapons were maintained strictly for deterrence purposes. This statement underscores the heightened tensions between Russia and Western nations amid ongoing geopolitical conflicts.
