Russia President, Vladimir Putin has warned foreign states not to cross the Kremlin’s “red lines” in his annual state-of-the-nation speech.
Addressing government officials and legislators from both houses of Russia’s parliament, the President said his government strives to have good relations with other countries but is equally prepared to respond harshly to any foreign provocations.
“We want good relations … and really don’t want to burn bridges. But if someone mistakes our good intentions for indifference or weakness and intends to burn down or even blow up these bridges,;they should know that Russia’s response will be asymmetrical, swift and harsh”.
Putin’s comments come amid strained relations with other Western powers as a result of the jailing of opposition leader, Alexey Navalny;and the amassment of Russian troops at Ukraine’s border.
Moscow has come under intense criticism from Western powers, including the United States, United Kingdom and the European Union, since the beginning of the year over its handling of Navalny’s case.
The US also sanctioned and expelled Russian officials recently in response to Moscow’s interference in recent US elections and a massive hacking campaign that breached vital federal agencies.
The Kremlin has however denied any involvement in the US’ alleged accusations, also expelling some US officials in retaliation. Moscow has also described its troop movements along its western border with Ukraine and in Crimea as defensive. It added that the military units will remain in position as long as Moscow sees fit.
Ukraine, NATO ‘continuing military preparations’
Earlier, Moscow accused Kyiv and NATO of continuing military preparations amid heightened concern over possible hostilities in the Donbas region.
Officials also accused NATO and the United States of “provocative activity” in the Black Sea region.
Russia’s foreign ministry called;on Ukraine and NATO, which counts Kyiv as an ally, to refrain from actions that could lead to escalation.
On the other hand, Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy has challenged his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, to meet him in the Donbas region for talks to end the conflict there.
He noted that satellite images have shown hundreds of Russian military vehicles stationed at multiple bases, firing ranges and field camps along the border with Ukraine. Dozens of warplanes parked at airbases in southwestern Russia and Crimea have also;been;seen.
“A considerable number of Russian troops are concentrated near our border. Officially, Russia calls this military exercises. Unofficially, the whole world calls this blackmail.”
He disclosed that Ukraine wants to end the conflict through diplomacy but is ready to defend itself if attacked.
“Does Ukraine want the war? No. But is Ukraine ready for the war? Yes.”
President Zelenskyy has, therefore, signed a law allowing reservists to be called up for military service without announcing mobilization.
Approved by parliament late in March, the measure makes it possible to significantly boost the country’s armed forces.
“This will make it possible to quickly equip the military units of all defence forces with reservists, thereby significantly increasing their combat effectiveness during military aggression”.
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