Vladimir Putin. Russian President
Russia is being heavily criticized for its intervention in the conflict taking place within Ukraine. President Obama is about to visit Wales for the NATO summit meeting and later Estonia. Vladimir Putin, the president of Russia, in light of these planned visits stated that "it is better not to come against Russia" since it is "one of the most powerful nuclear nations".
State-run Itar-Tass quoted Putin when he was speaking before a group of young Russians. "I want to remind you that Russia is one of the most powerful nuclear nations. This is a reality, not just words. We are strengthening our nuclear deterrence forces and our armed forces. They are getting more compact and more efficient at the same time. They are getting more modernized in terms of their supply with the latest armaments. We continue building up this potential and we'll be doing this in the future," Putin said.
NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen also heavily criticized the Russian government for the invasion of Ukraine. He stated that it is evident that there are Russian troops working within Ukrainian borders and have attacked Ukrainian military forces. He stated that the Russian military has invaded the nation to "destabilize Ukraine as a sovereign nation."
In retaliation, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov criticized the U.S. and other E.U. nations for giving Russia such accusations without any kind of solid evidence. He added that NATO is using "images from computer games" as proof of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
In addition, White House spokesperson Josh Earnest said on Friday that there is no denial that Russian forces are inside and active in Ukraine and are firing at Ukrainian personnel. Meanwhile, it is reported that Russia is enhancing its nuclear deterrent capabilities. Putin, though he did not deny this explained that this was not "to threaten anyone but to feel secure and calm and have the possibilities to implement those plans, which we have for the development of the economy and the social sphere."
President Barrack Obama is scheduled to visit Whales for the NATO summit meeting next week. He will also be visiting Estonia which borders Russia and all three Baltic leaders. At the NATO Summit, President Obama is planning to emphasize Article 5 commitment of NATO which underlines the protection and common defense of a member.
