Russia Warns of Retaliation Against Countries Supplying Weapons to Ukraine... Mentions Japan-Russia Relations

Russian President Vladimir Putin, who continues the invasion of Ukraine, stated on June 5th that Russia is "considering" supplying weapons to countries and regions hostile to those providing Ukraine with weapons capable of striking inside Russia. He also warned that "key targets" in countries supplying weapons to Ukraine could be attacked with Russian weapons.

Putin made these remarks during a meeting with heads of international news agencies at the Economic Forum held in St. Petersburg, northwestern Russia. By suggesting that Western countries that allowed attacks inside Russia could be targeted with Russian weapons, it is interpreted as an attempt to pressure the West to stop military aid to Ukraine or revoke their allowance of attacks inside Russia.

Putin also claimed that if the West stopped supplying weapons, the fighting in Ukraine would cease within 2-3 months. He stated, "The West believes that Russia will never use nuclear weapons. I suggest they read Russia's nuclear doctrine." He emphasized that Russia could "use all means" if its national sovereignty and territorial integrity are threatened. On the other hand, he dismissed Western concerns about the possibility of Russia attacking NATO as "absurd."

Putin claimed that Russian military losses in the invasion of Ukraine are "significantly lower" than those of the Ukrainian forces. He explained that while 1,348 Russian soldiers were taken prisoner by the Ukrainian forces, 6,465 Ukrainian soldiers were captured.

Putin also mentioned the deterioration of Japan-Russia relations to the worst level in history due to the invasion of Ukraine. While stating that "Russia does not refuse to resume negotiations on a peace treaty," he insisted that Japan needs to reconsider its stance towards Russia for this to happen. He also did not rule out the possibility of visiting the Northern Territories (Kuril Islands), which Russia illegally occupies, in the future.

Putin's remarks on this day are interpreted as a strong warning against Western support for Ukraine. Russia is escalating its confrontation with the West regarding the invasion of Ukraine, and by mentioning the possibility of using nuclear weapons, it is raising tensions in the international community.

Meanwhile, Japan has been intensifying its criticism of Russia since the invasion of Ukraine and expressing concerns about the escalation of military tensions. Putin's remarks are expected to further strain Japan-Russia relations.