Russian media reported President Vladimir Putin's statements published today, Wednesday, indicating that if American forces enter Ukraine, Russia will regard them as foreign entities. In an interview with the agency and state television, Putin stated that if the United States conducts nuclear tests, Russia may do the same, emphasizing: "We are ready to use nuclear weapons if there is any threat to Russia." He added that Russia is militarily and technically prepared for a nuclear war, but "not everything is pushing towards it" at the present time.
In response to a question about a "gentleman's agreement" with the West, Putin said Russia does not trust anyone and wants signed guarantees. He also confirmed Russia's willingness to negotiate on this matter based on the current realities on the ground, rather than on desires after the use of psychological drugs, as he described. He added: "Are we ready for negotiations? Yes, we are ready, but only for negotiations, and not based on some desires after the use of mental influences, but on the facts that have developed on the ground, as they say in such cases, on the ground."
Meanwhile, despite a significant package of aid for Ukraine being stalled in Congress, the U.S. administration expressed support for Kyiv on Tuesday by announcing new military assistance for it. President Joe Biden, while meeting Polish President Andrzej Duda and Prime Minister Donald Tusk, warned that the Russian threat looms over Eastern Europe. Biden stated on the sidelines of the meeting at the White House, "We must act before it is too late. Because Russia will not stop in Ukraine, and Poland can remember that." Additionally, Washington agreed to a deal to sell missiles to Poland, its NATO partner.
