Putin's Warnings and Praise Shape Russia-U.S. Dynamics

Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a warning to the United States, stating that the provision of long-range missiles to Ukraine could seriously damage relations between Moscow and Washington. Despite this, he stressed that these weapons would not significantly change the battlefield dynamics, where Russia claims to be making steady advances.

Speaking at a foreign policy forum in Sochi, Putin highlighted that supplying Ukraine with Tomahawk cruise missiles would mark a new stage of escalation in Russia-U.S. relations. Furthermore, while praising former U.S. President Donald Trump's peace efforts with Ukraine, he warned Western allies against any attempts to seize oil-carrying vessels, hinting at potential destabilization of global oil markets.

In an expansive address, Putin dismissed claims of Russian involvement in recent drone flights and commented on the assassination of Charlie Kirk, honoring his conservative values. He also expressed condolences for Michael Gloss, an American who joined Russian forces and was killed in action, equating his values with those Kirk championed.

(With inputs from agencies.)