Russian President Vladimir Putin warned the West that European NATO members were “playing with fire” by suggesting Ukraine use Western weapons to strike deep into Russian territory, which he said could spark a global conflict.

According to The Economist, Mr Putin believes that continued escalation could lead to serious consequences. According to the Russian president, Ukrainian attacks on Russia with long-range weapons would require Western satellite, intelligence and military assistance, so it would be considered that the West would be directly involved. He said that sending French troops to Ukraine would be a step towards a global conflict.

Earlier, French and German leaders said Ukraine should be allowed to use Western-supplied weapons to attack military positions inside Russia, where Russian missiles were fired towards Ukrainian territory. However, Ukraine should not attack other locations.

KHANH MINH