As the war in Ukraine continued, Russian President Vladimir Putin threatened the West with the use of nuclear weapons, saying “I am not bluffing”. European Union (EU) High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell said, “Any nuclear attack against Ukraine will have a response. It will not be a nuclear response, but it will be a strong military response in which the Russian military will be destroyed. Putin should not be bluffing.”
Speaking at the opening of the EU Diplomatic Academy in Bruges, Belgium, Borrell said the following about Russia’s nuclear threat rhetoric:
“(Russian President Vladimir) Putin says he is not bluffing. Putin cannot afford to bluff. Those who support Ukraine, the EU, the EU countries, the US and NATO are not bluffing either. Any nuclear strike against Ukraine will have a response. It will not be a nuclear response, but it will be a strong military response in which the Russian military will be destroyed. Putin should not be bluffing.”
‘VERY HAPPY WITH THE RESULT’
Referring to the adoption of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly resolution condemning Russia’s illegal annexation of Ukrainian regions with the votes of 143 countries, Borrell said, “I am very happy with the result.”
Borrell expressed his concern that about 20 percent of the countries abstained from voting, stating that these countries voted in this direction due to their interests due to their dependence on Russia.
“Still, the number is too high.” Borrell said diplomatic efforts should continue to change the minds of these countries.
Regarding grain exports and food security, Borrell called for allowing the passage of wheat-laden ships waiting for inspection in the Black Sea as soon as possible.
