Vladimir Putin has mentioned he has “no” regrets over the battle in Ukraine and warned that any direct conflict of NATO troops with Russia may result in a “global catastrophe”.
On Friday, the Russian president spoke at a information convention within the Kazakh capital, Astana, and likewise mentioned that his nation’s partial mobilisation will probably be over in two weeks.
Mr Putin, who has mentioned he could be prepared to make use of nuclear weapons to defend Russia’s “territorial integrity”, warned {that a} direct conflict with NATO troops is a “very dangerous step”.
His remarks comply with every week the place Russia has carried out its heaviest missile assaults on Kyiv and different Ukrainian cities because the early days of the battle, which he calls a particular navy operation.
Mr Putin mentioned the strikes had been a response to an assault that broken the Kerch Bridge, which hyperlinks the Russian mainland to annexed Crimea.
When requested if he had any regrets in relation to the battle he mentioned “no” and insisted Russia was doing the suitable factor.
Putin on potential for clashes with NATO
He additionally mentioned: “The introduction of troops into a direct confrontation with the Russian army is a very dangerous step that could lead to a global catastrophe. I hope that those who speak of this have enough sense not to take such steps.”
Mr Putin mentioned Germany is making a “mistake” by prioritising its allegiance to NATO over its nationwide curiosity.
He added that Germany had not but decided relating to the one undamaged line of the Nord Stream 2 gasoline pipeline, via which he has mentioned it will be potential for Russia to pump gasoline to Germany.
Last month, explosions ripped via each hyperlinks of the Nord Stream 1 pipeline and one of many two hyperlinks of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, inflicting an enormous gasoline leak and taking them out of service.
Putin open to concept of talks with Kyiv
On holding talks with Ukraine, Mr Putin mentioned he’s open to the thought and added “we have always said this”.
However, he added that if Kyiv is “ripe for talks, mediation efforts would be required”, following studies about his supposed willingness to enter into negotiations a couple of momentary peace cope with Ukraine.
Peace talks between the 2 nations, together with in Istanbul in March, have fallen via.
Mr Putin additionally mentioned Russia has not set itself a process of “destroying Ukraine” and added that there was “no want for enormous strikes” now because most designated targets had been hit.
Partial mobilisation to finish in two weeks
The Russian president additionally informed the information convention that his partial mobilisation will end in two weeks, with no plans for an extra call-up of reservists.
Last month, his defence minister Sergei Shoigu mentioned the nation would draft 300,000 reservists to assist its efforts in Ukraine.
Soon after the decision, the worth of one-way tickets in another country soared as lengthy queues had been seen at Russian borders as individuals tried to flee.
The partial mobilisation not solely appeared to sign an admission that the battle was not going nicely for Russia, however got here amid Ukraine’s counter-offensive which has seen the navy recapture massive swathes of the nation from Moscow together with strategically key areas just like the jap metropolis of Lyman.
Mr Putin informed the information convention that he ordered the partial mobilisation as a result of it’s “impossible to hold the front using only contracted servicemen”.
Source: information.sky.com”