
The remark appeared to be about the F-16 fighter jets that some NATO allies are preparing to give Ukraine. In the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, which was established in the wake of World War II to protect Western countries against the Soviet Union, an assault on one member is treated as an attack on all. Even though Ukraine is not a member of NATO, several NATO countries have started sending tanks, armored vehicles, and other weapons to Kyiv, which has prompted threats of retaliation from Russia.
As of the end of April, 230 tanks and more than 1,500 vehicles have been provided to the nation by NATO friends and partners, according to NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg. Putin remarked at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum on Friday, June 16, "NATO, of course, is being drawn into the war in Ukraine, what are we talking about here?"
"The supplies of heavy military equipment to Ukraine are still being made, and they are currently considering supplying Ukraine with jets." Putin said that Russia had destroyed tanks on the front lines, "including Leopards," during his speech in St. Petersburg. According to Putin, "and if they are based abroad but used in combat, we'll see how to hit them and where we can hit those means that are used against us in combat."
He continued, "There is a major risk that this would further entangle NATO in this military war. Putin said in his address to the gathering that Russia's numerous nuclear weapons would "guarantee" its security because Russia has more of them than NATO nations.
The Arms Control Association estimates that as of January 2021, Russia possessed a total of about 6,250 nuclear weapons. The US possesses more than 5,500, while Britain and France, two other NATO members, each have about 220 and 290 nuclear weapons. According to Putin, nuclear weapons were developed to ensure both the survival of the Russian state and our security in general.
But first off, there's no need, and secondly, just talking about it makes it less likely that the bar for employing these weapons will be lowered. Additionally, we possess more such weapons than the NATO nations. They continue to go toward reduction negotiations despite being aware of it.