Putin issues new threats to Ukraine and Europe

Putin says Russia is «acting surgically», not waging war: new threats to Ukraine and the West

Russian dictator Vladimir Putin said that the Russian Federation's actions in Ukraine «are not a war in the literal sense of the word», but rather «targeted surgical operations». This wording is once again an attempt to disguise the scale of Russian aggression, which has been going on for more than three years.

In his speech, Putin traditionally accompanied his manipulative statements with new threats - both to Ukraine and the European Union.

Threats to Ukraine

The Russian leader threatened that Russia could cut Ukraine off from the sea, if Kyiv «continues piracy against Russian vessels». This is how he reacted to the attacks on Russian tankers in the Black Sea, for which Russia attributes responsibility to Ukraine.

Putin also threatened to increase attacks on Ukrainian ports and vessels, saying it would be a «response to the strikes on Russian tankers».

Threats from the West

Separately, the Russian dictator spoke out against Europe, accusing it of allegedly obstructing the US-Russia talks:

«Europe is preventing the US administration from achieving peace in Ukraine».

Among other statements:

• Russia is «ready for war with Europe right now» if it allegedly starts escalating.

• He called the European proposals for a peaceful settlement unacceptable for Russia.

• Putin said that Europe could «return to negotiations» if it «takes into account the realities on the ground», referring to the occupation of Ukrainian territories.

Context.

Putin's statements came against the backdrop of the escalating situation in the Black Sea, attacks on Russian ships, Washington's increased pressure on the Kremlin, and delays in negotiations on the potential framework for a future peace agreement.

Ukraine emphasises that any negotiations are possible only after the full withdrawal of Russian troops and the restoration of territorial integrity.