We Must Respond Accordingly: Putin

The Russian Ministry of Defense is exploring options to respond to potential long-range strikes within the country's territory. This was stated by President Vladimir Putin during an interview with journalist Pavel Zarubin.

Putin emphasized that such attacks could technically only be carried out directly by NATO country military personnel, and not by Ukraine. "We must respond accordingly. How, when, and specifically where is still too early to discuss. Of course, the military department is thinking about this and will propose its options," the Russian leader noted.

Earlier, President Vladimir Putin stated that NATO is discussing not only the supply of long-range weapons to Kyiv but also possible direct involvement in the Ukrainian conflict, which, according to the Russian leader, could change its nature and create threats that require response measures. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized that Putin's statements regarding the consequences of such supplies were very clear.

Russia views the supply of weapons to Ukraine as a threat that directly draws NATO countries into the conflict. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stressed that any cargo of military assistance to Ukraine will become a legitimate target for Russia.