President Putin accuses the West of pushing Russia across a “red line”

Speaking at a meeting with defense officials in Moscow, President Vladimir Putin said that Russia is watching the development and possible deployment of short- and medium-range missiles by the United States with concern. According to the Russian leader, the United States is concerned about the creation and preparation for deployment on the front line of land-based high-precision strike systems with a range of up to 5,500 km. At the same time, the United States is transferring and deploying these missile systems in Europe and the Asia- Pacific region, while such actions are prohibited by the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF Treaty).

One of the main reasons for the escalation of tensions between Russia and the West is the issue of the US and NATO expansion into Eastern Europe and, in particular, Ukraine’s relations with the West. Russia has repeatedly warned that Ukraine’s accession to NATO would cross Moscow’s “red line,” as it would put NATO right on Russia’s borders and threaten its national security. It is this approach that makes Putin feel that the West is deliberately pushing Russia into an unbearable situation.

After Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Western countries imposed severe economic sanctions on Russia and provided military and financial support to Ukraine. These actions have left Russia feeling isolated and have increased the feeling that the West is deliberately trying to contain and weaken Russia. Putin believes that Western countries not only want to reduce Russia's influence in Europe, but also want to overthrow the current political regime in Moscow. Putin also stressed that if Western countries continue to take provocative actions, Moscow will not hesitate to use all necessary measures to protect its interests, including the use of military force if necessary. Putin has not even ruled out the use of nuclear weapons in the event of a perceived direct threat to Russia's existence.

The concept of “red lines” has become an important term in Putin’s foreign policy. They are limits that Russia cannot tolerate or that would result in a strong reaction if crossed. These “red lines” include not only issues related to national security, but also basic principles of international relations that Russia wants to protect, such as respect for national sovereignty and non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries.

Increased pressure from NATO, especially the West's efforts to attract former Soviet states such as Ukraine and Georgia, has made Russia feel that its national security is under serious threat. Western arms supplies to Ukraine and military and financial support have also added to the feeling of isolation and being forced into action. Western sanctions targeting the Russian economy, especially in the energy sector, have caused great damage and increased tensions. Russia has repeatedly protested these measures, calling them an act of economic warfare aimed at weakening the country.

At the same time, the strong criticism from the West about Russia's military actions in Ukraine has left Russia feeling stigmatized and wrongly accused on the international stage. The Russian government has repeatedly criticized the bias and unfairness in the way the West treats the Ukraine issue.

Despite President Putin’s strong accusations and red line statements, the West, especially the US and EU countries, have maintained their policy of supporting Ukraine. These countries assert that they are only exercising their legitimate right to support a sovereign state under aggression and that they will not give in to Russian threats. These reactions have further escalated tensions between Russia and the West./.

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