Putin Warns the West... "If the Red Line Is Crossed, We Will Retaliate Asymmetrically" (Comprehensive)

Russia in Conflict with US and EU
Russian Military Concentrates Troops Around Ukraine

[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 added, "I do not hope that any foreign actor crosses Russia's red line," but warned, "We will respond sternly, 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 diligently. However, he also expressed that "Russia hopes for peace and arms control."

Foreign media reported that Putin's remarks appeared in the latter part of his approximately 90-minute speech. Earlier, he 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.

In fact, Russia has recently concentrated troops near the border with Ukraine, escalating tensions in the area. With pro-Russian separatist rebels clashing with Ukrainian government forces in the Donbas region of Ukraine, the buildup of Russian troops has raised fears that a military invasion similar to the 2014 Crimea incident could be repeated.

On the same day, The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) released satellite images showing Russian Su-30 fighter jets deployed on a runway in Crimea. Additionally, fighter jets that were not present as recently as last month have been spotted in other regions. The BBC and other broadcasters also reported that, besides the Black Sea Fleet stationed in Crimea, landing ships from the Northern Baltic Fleet and Northern Fleet have entered the area.

Regarding the troop buildup, Russia explained that it is part of regular training exercises. However, the scale of troops deployed in the Ukraine area already exceeds that of the 2014 Crimea incident, increasing tensions in the region.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba expressed concern, stating, "Within a week, the Russian military will reach 120,000 troops," and added, "They may not stop increasing their forces at this level."

In the Donbas region of Ukraine, military attacks continue from both pro-Russian separatists and forces presumed to be regular Russian troops. This area declared independence from Ukraine when Russia abruptly annexed Crimea in 2014, as many residents there have pro-Russian sentiments. Since then, clashes between Ukrainian regular forces and separatists have continued.