Moscow, September 16, 2024 — The Kremlin has emphasized that President Vladimir Putin consistently approaches the task of responding to Western actions with great caution, according to recent statements by Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov.
In an interview with TASS and other media outlets on September 15, Peskov highlighted the president’s measured approach to addressing the West’s moves, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. While Russian experts have debated various robust responses to Western actions, including the provision of long-range missiles to Ukraine, Putin has remained circumspect.
We have a sufficient number of highly capable experts who actively discuss these topics. I believe, so far, this has been enough, Peskov stated when asked whether it was time to discuss potential reactions at the official level.
He cited the comments of Sergei Karaganov, the honorary chairman of the Russian Council on Foreign and Defense Policy, who recently suggested a preventive nuclear strike as a deterrent against potential adversaries. We have had enough of such discussions, although the president is always very cautious in this regard, Peskov added.
The remarks come amid growing concerns over the possibility of Western countries allowing Ukraine to use externally supplied weapons to strike deep into Russian territory. Putin addressed this issue on September 12, warning that the West’s actions were a substitution of concepts. He argued that the crux of the matter was not whether the weapons’ use should be permitted but rather whether NATO countries were directly participating in the conflict with Russia.
This is the toughest statement Putin has made so far regarding NATO’s potential lifting of restrictions on Ukraine’s use of external weapons, reported Reuters. Putin did not elaborate on the specific countermeasures Russia might take, but he has previously mentioned options such as providing Russian-made weapons to countries hostile to the West and deploying conventional missiles capable of striking the United States and its European allies.
The president’s cautious stance is in line with Russia’s long-standing policy of strategic deterrence. Putin’s approach aims to maintain a balance of power and prevent direct confrontation with Western nations, which could escalate the conflict and lead to unpredictable outcomes.
The ongoing tensions are part of a broader geopolitical struggle that has seen the West, led by the United States, supporting Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. The West’s provision of advanced weaponry to Ukraine has been a significant point of contention, with Russia viewing it as a direct challenge to its sovereignty and national security.
Despite the heightened rhetoric, the Kremlin’s emphasis on caution suggests that Russia is not looking to escalate the conflict further. Instead, it appears to be focusing on diplomatic efforts to resolve the situation, while also preparing for potential escalations.
In conclusion, the Kremlin’s statements underscore the delicate balance President Putin is trying to maintain in responding to Western actions. While the situation remains tense, Putin’s cautious approach indicates a desire to avoid direct confrontation and seek a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Notice: This article is based on information available as of the date of publication and is intended to provide an accurate account of the statements made by the Kremlin and President Putin. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of the author or the platform.
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