The Russian President said, in a statement, Saturday, that everything is going as planned in Ukraine so far, and that Russia will complete its goals within the framework of the planned military operation. It’s Reuters reports.
In the same speech, Putin took a hard line against the West, saying that sanctions against Russia are the same as a declaration of war.
At the same time, he defends Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, saying that they should defend Russian speakers in eastern Ukraine, as well as their own interests.
In the speech, he reiterated that Russia wants to “disarm” Ukraine and that the country must declare itself neutral, writes Sky News.
It would be a declaration of war
In the speech, Putin warned that Western countries would join forces in a no-fly zone over Ukraine. He said that a third party declaration of a no-fly zone would be considered participation in the war.
“Any step in this direction will be considered participation in the armed conflict,” the president said. France Press agency.
Warning: Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned NATO against imposing a no-fly zone over Ukraine. Photo: Alexei Nikolsky / AP
In a meeting with pilots, Putin said that a no-fly zone from Western countries would pose a threat to Russian forces.
Zelensky accused NATO
On Thursday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky gave a video speech accusing NATO of giving the Russians the green light for more bombing of Ukrainian cities.
“All who die in the future will die because of the weakness of NATO and the lack of unity,” Zelensky said in his speech.
Outside NATO: Ukraine’s then-President was not very generous to NATO when he spoke on Thursday. Photo: Efrem Lukatsky / AP
Zelensky asked NATO to create a no-fly zone over Ukraine, but NATO and the genus Stoltenberg refused.
Stoltenberg justified the decision on the grounds that the flight ban on Ukraine might drag other European countries into the war, as NATO had to send fighter planes to enforce the ban.
“It will increase danger and destruction, and cause more human suffering,” Stoltenberg said.
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