Russian President Vladimir Putin vowed to achieve all goals that Moscow has in the “special operations” in Ukraine. Speaking to lawmakers, Putin said, “All the decisions have been made in this regard”, CNN reported. 

The 69-year-old also warned against foreign interference in Ukraine, saying that such actions would be met with a swift response from Moscow. 

Putin said, “If someone intends to intervene into the ongoing events (in Ukraine) from the outside and creates unacceptable strategic threats for us, then they should know that our response to those strikes will be swift, lightning-fast”, and continued, “We have all the tools for this — ones that no one can brag about. And we won’t brag. We will use them if needed. And I want everyone to know this”. 

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However, Putin didn’t elaborate on these “tools” in the address which took place in St Petersburg. 

The president’s comments come as more countries have amped up the aid to Ukraine, with complex weaponry being sent to the warring country. The UK Foreign Secretary, Liz Truss, is also expected to urge other countries to send more weapons to Ukraine, saying “We must be prepared for the long haul and double down on our support for Ukraine”. She added, “Heavy weapons, tanks, aeroplanes — digging deep into our inventories, ramping up production. We need to do all of this.” 

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Truss’ comments come amid Russia’s second onslaught on Ukraine, switching strategies to an attack from the east. With Mariupol nearly falling to Russian troops, except for the Azovstal steel plant, Moscow’s forces are well-poised to make a push from the south as well. 

When Putin sent in troops, he promised to “denazify” and “demilitarize” the neighbouring NATO-leaning country. Recently, a Russian military officer highlighted that the country aimed to establish a corridor linking Donbas through Mariupol, Crimea, all the way to Transnistria, in Moldova. On cue, Russian attacks have been reported in the region.