Russia-Ukraine latest: Putin responds to ‘drivel’ idea he will attack Poland and Czech Republic | WorldNews

Vladimir Putin has described the idea that Russia would carry out attacks on NATO states as “complete nonsense”.

In a speech to Russian air force pilots last night, he said the country had “no aggressive intentions” towards countries such as Poland or the Baltics states.

“The idea that we will attack some other country – Poland, the Baltic States, and the Czechs are also being scared – is complete nonsense,” he said.

“It’s just drivel.”

However, the Russian president struck a more combative tone when speaking about F-16 jets – which Western nations are set to supply to Ukraine in the hope of turning the tide of war in Kyiv’s favor.

“If they supply F-16s, and they are talking about this and are apparently training pilots, this will not change the situation on the battlefield,” Mr Putin said.

“And we will destroy the aircraft just as we destroy tanks, armored vehicles and other equipment.

“Of course, if they will be used from airfields in third countries, they become for us legitimate targets, wherever they might be located.”

Mr Putin’s remarks followed comments earlier on Wednesday (see post 20.40) by Ukrainian foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba that the aircraft should arrive in Ukraine in the coming months.

Belgium, Denmark, Norway and the Netherlands are among countries which have pledged to donate F-16s.

A coalition of countries has promised to help train Ukrainian pilots in their use.