Putin warns of 'serious consequences' if Western weapons hit Russian soil

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Tuesday (May 28) that the West could face serious consequences if it allowed Ukraine to use their weapons to strike targets in Russia, as sought by Kyiv.

The warning came as French President Emmanuel Macron said Kyiv should be allowed to "neutralise" Russian military bases from where Kremlin troops are firing missiles into Ukraine, and as President Volodymyr Zelensky urged the world not to tire of the war.

Concurrently,Zelensky requested the international community to remain steadfast in its support of the war.

Putin's comments came after some NATO members as well as the alliance's chief, Jens Stoltenberg called to allow Ukraine to use their arms to step up attacks on Russian soil, after more than two years of war.

"This constant escalation can lead to serious consequences," Putin said during a visit to Uzbekistan.

"The small European countries should be aware of what they are playing with," the Russian leader said, noting that many European countries had small territories and a dense population.

"They should consider this factor seriously before discussing strikes deep into Russian territory," he stated.

Putin further warned that even if Ukraine's forces carried out the strikes, responsibility for them would lie with Western suppliers of the weapons.

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Putin also said that while he believed Western military instructors were already in Ukraine operating undercover as mercenaries, any move by countries to send them officially would be another "escalation" and "another step towards a serious conflict in Europe, towards a global conflict".

Notably, Ukraine's top commander announced on Monday (May 27) that talks were being held with France on sending military instructors to the country.

Putin warned that "we will take whatever actions we deem necessary, regardless of who is present on Ukrainian territory."

After a meeting of EU defence ministers in Brussels, EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell said that European countries remained split on sending military instructors to Ukraine.

Zelensky urges West

During a European tour aimed at maintaining the flow of arms and support to his embattled country, Zelensky urged the world not to grow weary of the war, warning that fatigue would benefit Russia.

"It is very important for Ukrainians that the world does not get tired... and it cannot get tired of the war launched by the aggressor," Zelensky said in Portugal during a tour of several European capitals.

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"Or else there will be no justice, otherwise the world will change because of people like Putin," he said.

Zelensky is also trying to whip up support for a peace conference due to be held in Switzerland next month, without Russia, and on Tuesday urged US President Joe Biden to attend.

"If Biden is not present, it will be just like applauding Putin," Zelensky said at a press conference with Belgium's Prime Minister Alexander De Croo.

(With inputs from agencies)