Putin: "Western Sanctions Against Russia Are Close to a Declaration of War"

Vladimir Putin, President of Russia [Photo by EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Byung-hee] Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed on the 5th (local time) that the strong sanctions imposed by the West on Russia regarding the Ukraine situation are close to a declaration of war.

President Putin pointed out during a meeting with flight attendants of domestic airlines ahead of International Women's Day (the 8th) that "the sanctions currently being implemented by the West are similar to a declaration of war."

President Putin also said that the operation to eliminate military infrastructure in Ukraine is nearly complete. He explained, "The priority in the (Ukraine operation) was the removal of military infrastructure," adding, "Not all infrastructure, but mainly armories, ammunition depots, military aircraft, and air defense missile systems were destroyed. In fact, this task is almost finished."

President Putin emphasized that "the Ukraine operation is proceeding according to the plans and schedule set by the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces," and that the Russian military will accomplish all assigned tasks.

He also revealed that the decision to launch the special military operation in Ukraine was not an easy one.

President Putin warned, "Ukraine possesses nuclear weapons manufacturing technology inherited from the former Soviet Union and can produce them, and the West might assist in this. That (Ukraine's development of nuclear weapons) would change Russia's life."

In addition, President Putin stressed that, contrary to concerns of some Russians, there are no plans to declare martial law or a state of emergency within the country.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.