Putin: We will strike Ukrainian F-16s wherever they are

Putin visited the Russian Ministry of Defense's army aviation training center in the Tver region.

Chatting with military pilots there, Putin stated that the Russian army's aviation units have performed excellently in the conflict in Ukraine and have contributed to the results.

Noting that he has also flown in a fighter jet several times and that the job of a fighter pilot is difficult, Putin remarked that the Russian Su-34 bomber, as well as the new model Su-30 and Su-57 fighter jets, are performing very well in the conflict zone.

"WE WILL ALSO DESTROY THE F-16S"

Commenting on Western countries' plans to provide F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine and the training of Ukrainian pilots, Putin said, "This will not change anything on the battlefield. Just as we destroy tanks, armored vehicles, and other military equipment, including multiple launch rocket systems, we will also destroy these aircraft (F-16 models)."

Pointing out that F-16 fighter jets have the capability to carry nuclear weapons, Putin stated that they would take this into account when engaging these aircraft.

Clarifying what would happen if these aircraft provided to Ukraine were used from NATO airfields, the Russian leader Putin said, "Of course, if these aircraft are used from the airfields of third countries, they will become legitimate targets for us, wherever they may be located."

Pointing out that the US defense spending is higher than Russia's, Putin said that claims that Russia plans to go to war with NATO are absurd.

Putin also dismissed claims regarding the possibility of Russia attacking the Baltic states and Poland as "nonsense."

"STATEMENTS THAT RUSSIA IS ONLY FOR RUSSIANS WORRY ME"

Expressing his discomfort with the statements made by some chauvinists that "Russia is only for Russians," Putin noted that such people exist everywhere and in every society.

Pointing out that one must be careful before making such remarks, Putin said, "I get worried when they say that Russia is only for Russians.

If we keep in mind that 190 ethnic groups live on the country's territory and that some nations are represented by millions of people, the moment we start implementing these destructive ideas that everyone here is a foreigner, we will destroy the country, and the primary victims will be the Russian people themselves."

"WE MUST BE RESPECTFUL TO MEMBERS OF OTHER RELIGIONS"

Emphasizing that it should never be forgotten that Russia is a multi-ethnic and multi-religious country, Putin underscored the need to be careful in this regard. Putin stated, "We must always treat our brothers, members of other religions—that is, Muslims, Jews, and others—with respect, and we are already doing so."