On Thursday, President Vladimir Putin issued a stern warning that Moscow would react without delay if provoked by the West. This statement comes amidst a verbal sparring with U.S. President Donald Trump, who recently dismissed Russia as a "paper tiger."
During his address at the Valdai Discussion Club in Sochi, Putin mocked Trump's comment, suggesting that if Russia is indeed a "paper tiger," yet progresses in Ukraine against the entire NATO, then "what does that make the alliance itself?" as reported by Reuters.
The Russian leader reiterated that the conflict in Ukraine has already put Moscow in direct confrontation with NATO, accusing Western countries of supplying weapons, intelligence, and training to Ukrainian forces. "If anyone wishes to challenge us militarily, they are welcome to try. Russia’s countermeasures will be swift," he asserted.
Putin adopted a more serious tone when discussing the possibility of the United States providing Kyiv with Tomahawk missiles, labeling it as a dangerous escalation. "Using Tomahawks implies direct involvement of U.S. military personnel. This would signify a completely new, qualitatively different stage in the confrontation with Washington," he stated.
So far, the Trump administration has not made an official decision about sending cruise missiles to Ukraine.
The Russian president also dismissed European allegations of NATO airspace violations by Russian drones and fighter jets as "hysteria." He sarcastically promised, "I won’t do it again in Denmark, and by the way, we don't have drones that reach Lisbon."
Putin portrayed the conflict as a pivotal moment in relations with the West, accusing it of humiliating Russia after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 through NATO's expansion into Eastern Europe. "Calm down, sleep peacefully, and deal with your issues. Just look at what's happening on the streets of European cities," he added.
According to data from the Kremlin, Russia currently controls nearly all of Luhansk province, 81% of Donetsk, and about 75% of the Zaporiyia and Kherson regions.
The Russian leader reiterated the need for Ukraine to negotiate a peace agreement, suggesting that Kyiv's forces are suffering from personnel shortages and desertions.
The war in Ukraine, marked as the deadliest in Europe since World War II, has claimed thousands of lives and evolved into the most severe standoff between Russia and the West since the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962.
Key Questions on Russia's Response to Western Provocations
What prompted Putin's recent warning to the West?
Putin's warning was a response to perceived provocations by Western countries, including military support to Ukraine and remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump, who called Russia a "paper tiger."
How does Russia view the conflict in Ukraine?
Russia views the conflict in Ukraine as a direct confrontation with NATO, accusing Western nations of providing military support and intelligence to Ukrainian forces.
What are the potential consequences of the U.S. providing Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine?
Putin warned that the provision of Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine would escalate the conflict and imply direct U.S. military involvement, leading to a qualitatively new stage in the confrontation with Washington.