Russian President Vladimir Putin, has stated that the sanctions imposed by western countries in response to the invasion of Ukraine, are akin to a declaration of war. ayokinews.com reports
Putin claimed on Saturday, while talikng to flight attendants at an Aeroflot training center outside Moscow, that he just wants to “demilitarize” and “de-Nazify” Ukraine.
“These sanctions are methods of fighting against Russia,” he said.
“These sanctions that you can see are equivalent to declaring a war – but thankfully it has not come to an actual war but we understand what these threats are about.”
Putin said that any attempt by NATO to issue a no-fly-zone over Ukraine airspace would be termed as “participation in the armed conflict”.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had requested a no-fly-zone over Ukraine to protect the country from Russian missiles, but his request was denied.
Taking such action, according to NATO, might lead to a “full-fledged war in Europe involving many more countries.”
No More Sanctions, Russia Has No Bad Intentions Against Ukraine – Putin
Since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and the European Union have placed a series of sanctions on Russia since the invasion of Ukraine began.
Certain Russian banks’ access to the SWIFT payment system has been blocked, and the country’s central bank’s overseas assets have been frozen as part of the sanctions.
The United Kingdom sanctioned three of the country’s wealthiest individuals, while the Council of Europe expelled Russia from the continent’s human rights organization.
FIFA and UEFA have also barred Russian clubs and national teams from competing in any football competition.
Samsung, Paypal, Zara, Apple, and Mercedes-Benz have also indicated that their operation in Russia will be suspended following the invasion.
