By equating the conflict with the invasion of Nazi Germany and issuing threats, President Vladimir Putin stoked support for his army’s engagement in Ukraine.
Arriving in the southern city of Volgograd for commemorations to mark the 80th anniversary of the Soviet victory at the Battle of Stalingrad, Putin sought to boost support for his war.
He compared Russia’s “special military operation” in Ukraine to the battle against Nazi Germany in 1941-1945 and claimed Russians were ready to go “until the end”.
“Again and again we are forced to repel the aggression of the collective West. We aren’t sending tanks to their borders but we have something to respond with, and it won’t be just about using armoured vehicles. Everyone should understand this. A modern war with Russia will be completely different.”
Greater use of Russia “potential”
Russia will make more use of its capability as the West increases arms deliveries to Ukraine, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.
“As new weapons are delivered by the collective West, Russia will make greater use of its potential to respond in the course of the special military operation,” state news agency TASS quoted him as saying.
Peskov was asked to comment on an earlier remark by Putin that Russia’s response would go beyond using armoured vehicles.
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