Russian President, Vladimir Putin has warned that imposing sanctions on Russia will lead to a catastrophic consequence for the world, declaring that nations doing so are calling for war.
He also warned that any attempt to impose a ‘no-fly’ zone in Ukraine would complicate issues as against ending the war.
Putin insisted that Russian Army invaded Ukraine to defend Russian-speaking communities through the “demilitarisation and denazification” of the country.
He said he must ensure that Russia’s former Soviet neighbour becomes neutral and stop threatening his country.
“These sanctions that are being imposed are akin to a declaration of war but thank God it has not come to that,” Putin said, speaking to a group of flight attendants at an Aeroflot training centre near Moscow.
The Russian leader warned that any attempt by “another power to impose a no-fly zone in Ukraine would be considered by Russia to be a step into the military conflict.”
He said such a step “would have catastrophic consequences for Europe and the world.”
Putin denied reports that Russian conscripts had been used in Ukraine, saying that none had been involved, insisting that his military is capable of carrying out his targets in Ukraine.
“There is not one conscript and we don’t plan for there to be.
“Our army will fulfil all the tasks. I don’t doubt that at all. Everything is going to plan,” Putin said.