“A Perilous Move” | Global News

Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a stern warning to Germany on Wednesday, cautioning that any use of weapons supplied by Berlin to Ukraine to strike targets inside Russia would be a “dangerous step” that could severely damage relations between the two countries.

The warning comes after Germany, along with the United States, authorized Ukraine to use long-range weapons to target Russian soil. The recent delivery of German tanks to Ukraine has already caused shock in Russia, and Putin emphasized that any further escalation could have serious consequences.

Speaking at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum, Putin also addressed the upcoming American presidential election, stating that regardless of whether Joe Biden or Donald Trump wins, Russia’s relationship with the United States will remain unchanged.

Putin dismissed the recent felony conviction of Trump at his hush-money trial as a result of internal political struggles, and he expressed skepticism that any significant changes would occur in US-Russian relations post-election.

During the forum, Putin faced questions on a variety of topics, with the ongoing conflict in Ukraine taking center stage. He claimed that Ukrainian casualties are five times greater than Russia’s and stated that over 1,300 Russian troops are in Ukrainian captivity, while more than 6,400 Ukrainian soldiers are being held in Russia. These claims, however, could not be independently verified.

The annual forum, typically used by Putin to showcase Russia’s development and attract investors, has seen a shift in attendance in recent years due to tensions over the conflict in Ukraine. Last year, journalists from Western countries deemed unfriendly by Russia were not invited, and Western officials and investors stayed away following sanctions imposed on Moscow.