Putin Warns the West... "If the Red Line Is Crossed, Retaliation Will Be Asymmetric"

Russia, Conflict Relations with the US and EU

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Russian President Vladimir Putin warned the Western world by mentioning Russia's formidable military power. He stated that if the 'red line' is crossed, Russia will respond asymmetrically and decisively.

On the 21st (local time), President Putin said in a state address held at the Manezh Exhibition Hall in Moscow, "Anyone who crosses the red line will face swift retaliation." He warned, "I do not hope that any foreign actor crosses Russia's red line," adding, "We will respond strictly, swiftly, and asymmetrically to provocations."

President Putin also referred to Russia's powerful military capabilities, such as hypersonic weapons and intercontinental ballistic missiles, which Russia has been developing with great effort. However, he also expressed that "Russia hopes for peace and arms control."

Foreign media reported that these remarks by President Putin appeared in the latter part of his approximately 90-minute speech. Earlier, President Putin mainly addressed issues related to COVID-19 response, the domestic economy, and social matters.

Russia is currently in conflict with the United States and the European Union (EU). In particular, the Biden administration in the U.S. has raised concerns about Russia's cyberattacks, human rights violations, and military actions against Ukraine.