Putin Complains that No One Will Help Russia
Vladimir Putin has complained that no one will help Russia as it wages war against Ukraine.
The Russian president said that his country can "only rely on ourselves" as he addressed military personnel gathered at the Grand Kremlin Palace's St George Hall.
In remarks filmed and published on Telegram by state TV, he talked about the need for a stable economy in Russia to support its Ministry of Defense.
"Everyone counts: they count the salary, they count the new equipment, and they place orders—it's very important. This is a base," Putin said.
"In this sense, we can only rely on ourselves. No one will come and give us anything with an outstretched hand, everyone will do it themselves. We can do it," he added.
Putin's comments come after he signed a treaty alongside North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to pledge mutual military aid in the event of an attack on Russia or North Korea.
The agreement states that the "other party shall provide military and other assistance without delay by all means at its disposal."
The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants on Tuesday, July 25, for former Russian defense minister Sergei Shoigu, and General Valery Gerasimov over allegedly committing war crimes and crimes against humanity for targetting civilians.
Shoigu, 69, was seen as a key figure in Putin's decision to invade Ukraine before being replaced as defense minister in May this year.
The invasion in which Russia expected to capture Kyiv swiftly and install a puppet leader instead faced heavy resistance from a wave of brave Ukrainians.
Gerasimov, 68, who has served as chief of the general staff since 2012, continues to oversee military operations in Ukraine.
The Ukrainian delegation arrived in Luxembourg on Tuesday to start accession talks with European Union (EU) officials.
The meeting will kickstart plans to begin the membership process for joining the EU, which experts say will take years.
Bridget A. Brink, the US ambassador to Ukraine, congratulated the country as talks with the EU opened.
"Congratulations to Zelensky and Ukrainians everywhere as the official talks for Ukraine to join the European Union begin today. The U.S. will continue to support Ukraine in its efforts to realize its EU aspirations.
"The U.S. will continue to support Ukraine in its efforts to realize its EU aspirations," she said.
https://www.newsweek.com/putin-ukraine- ... us-1917136
