Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that recent Western missile strikes on Russia's Kursk and Bryansk regions could escalate the ongoing Ukraine conflict into a global crisis. Speaking in a televised address on Thursday, Putin emphasized that these attacks have given the conflict global dimensions.
\"Since this moment, as we have underscored repeatedly, the conflict in Ukraine, provoked by the West, has obtained elements of global nature,\" he stated, highlighting Russia's readiness to respond decisively if the situation worsens.
Putin reaffirmed Russia's right to defend itself by targeting military facilities of nations that use their weapons against Russia. \"I would like to stress once again that it is not Russia that is destroying the international security system, but the United States,\" he added.
In a display of military capability, Putin confirmed that Russia has successfully tested a new medium-range ballistic missile, Oreshnik, in response to enemy actions. This development underscores the heightened tensions and the potential for further escalation in the region.
Reference(s):
Putin: attacks on Russia risk escalating Ukraine conflict globally
cgtn.com