Astana: Russian President Vladimir Putin urged Romania to investigate a reported drone strike on a residential building, emphasizing the need for clarity in the incident. During a press conference in Astana, Kazakhstan, Putin highlighted past occurrences where Ukrainian drones entered Finland, Poland, and the Baltic states, initially leading to accusations against Russia before investigations revealed otherwise.
According to Anadolu Agency, Putin noted the potential for drones to deviate from their paths due to electronic warfare systems or technical malfunctions. He expressed the likelihood that a similar issue might have occurred in the Romanian incident. Putin assured that Russia would conduct its own investigation if Romania or its partners provided objective data.
Addressing the broader conflict in Ukraine, Putin remarked on the ongoing advancements of Russian forces but acknowledged the difficulty in predicting specific timelines for the conflict's resolution. He criticized Western countries for supplying drones to Ukraine, which are used in attacks on Russian territory, and stressed the need to bolster Russia's air defense systems.
Despite the continued hostilities, Putin mentioned the existence of certain contacts regarding a possible peace process, although no formal negotiations are in progress. He reiterated Russia's openness to negotiations, asserting that they have never refused or stopped such discussions.
Putin dismissed claims by European politicians about Russia's 'aggressive plans' as 'nonsense' and responded to Lithuania's foreign minister's remarks about NATO's Baltic members potentially targeting Russian air defense bases. He warned that Russia has the means to counter any threats to its security.
Regarding reports of Ukraine possibly launching drones from Latvian territory, Putin declared that any location posing a direct military threat to Russia would be considered a legitimate target. Furthermore, he mentioned the careful assessment of any future EU representative proposed for talks with Moscow, amid discussions in Brussels about engaging with the Kremlin.
Putin also commented on Armenia's growing ties with the West, cautioning that closer integration with the EU could necessitate a reduction in Armenia's participation in the Eurasian Economic Union. This could potentially lead to significant economic losses for Armenia. However, he emphasized that the decision ultimately rests with the Armenian people and advocated for an early referendum on the country's geopolitical direction.