'Nonsense': Putin rubbishes idea of Russia attacking NATO countries but warns that F-16s...

Amid worries about the potential spillage of war by Russia to other NATO countries, Russian President Vladimir Putin has dismissed all such notions.

Putin has rubbished the idea that Russia will launch attacks on NATO states such as Poland, and branded such a thought as "complete nonsense" and "drivel."

This comes as Putin was addressing Russian air force pilots on Wednesday (Mar 27). During his address to the pilots, Putin pointed out that Russia harbours no hostile or "aggressive"intentions towards these NATO countries.

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"The idea that we will attack some other country - Poland, the Baltic States, and the Czechs are also being scared - is complete nonsense," the Russian President said adding, "It's just drivel."

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Moreover, Putin also issued a firm statement regarding the Western consideration of supplying F-16 planes, highly maneuverablefighter aircraft widely exported to various countries around the world and known for its versatility in air-to-air combat and ground attack missions, to Ukraine.

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Notably, the US and Western allies are anticipating the Ukrainian Air Force to attain "initial operating capability" on F-16s by the end of 2024.Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Belgium are collectively offering over 60 F-16s to Ukraine, a nation mired in conflict for more than two years now. Also, a multinational coalition is currently engaged in training pilots and crews.

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Putin warned that the introduction of F-16s would not alter the situation. "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," Putin said adding,"and we will destroy the aircraft just as we destroy tanks, armoured 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," he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.