Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky issued a stark warning to the Western world as Russia continues to pummel his country.
Vladimir Putin would not be satisfied with just militarily overcoming Ukraine, Mr Zelensky claimed, as he believes the Russian president wants to restore the borders of the former Soviet Union.
He told US broadcaster CBS: “For him, we are a satellite of Russian Federation. At the moment, it’s us, then Kazakhstan, then Baltic states, then Poland, then Germany. At least half of Germany.”
In recent months, several NATO countries have been raising alarm bells over an increased aggressiveness of the Kremlin and possible plans to attack another European country.
Moldova, a former Soviet state now led by a pro-EU leader, as well as NATO members Poland and the Baltic states are seen as the most likely targets of a possible fresh Russia-led conflict.
An attack on the NATO eastern flank would likely drag the whole of the Western military alliance into a conflict against Moscow given the principle of collective defence enshrined by the organisation’s Article 5.
Mr Zelensky added: “Even tomorrow, the missiles can fly to any state. This aggression, and Putin’s army, can come to Europe, and then the citizens of the United States, the soldiers of the United States, will have to protect Europe because they’re the NATO members.”
Addressing the war fatigue being experienced in the West and particularly in Washington, the Ukrainian leader added the US “don’t have the war going on” – but it “can come to Europe, and to the US. It can come very quickly to Europe”.
Earlier this week, Putin dismissed as “drivel” Western fears he is planning to carry out fresh attacks on NATO states.
During a speech to Russian air force pilots on Wednesday night, the Russian leader insisted there are “no aggressive intentions” towards the eastern NATO flank.
He said: “The idea that we will attack some other country – Poland, the Baltic States, and the Czechs are also being scared – is complete nonsense. It’s just drivel.”
However, he issued a warning to the West, saying that should it fulfil its pledge to deliver F-16s to Ukraine, the aircraft would become legitimate targets.
Despite Putin’s dismissing remarks, Russian propagandists and officials alike have ramped up the anti-Western rhetoric since the beginning of the year.
Speaking about the ongoing expansion of a NATO base in Romania, Russian Senator Andrey Klimov said: “If the Romanians like it, it’s their business, of course, but the NATO suicide club drags ordinary civilians into such adventures that can end very badly for their families and children.
“I’m not trying to scare anyone, I’m just reasoning logically. There won’t be any benefit for Romania from this and there will be more threats.”
Ukraine has been at war with Russia since February 2022, when Putin announced the unlawful and unprovoked invasion of the eastern European country.
The country relies heavily on Western military support to continue its fight, and Mr Zelensky has warned the dwindling delivery of aid could become a major issue as it is feared Russia is preparing for a major offensive around the end of May.
