Putin warns against interfering in Russia-Ukraine war

MOSCOW

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday warned against any interference in the war with Ukraine, saying the response will be "lightning-fast."

Speaking at a meeting in Saint Petersburg, Putin reiterated that "all goals of the Russian special military operation in Ukraine will be implemented."

He vowed a swift response to an "unacceptable threat" for Russia.

"If someone wants to interfere in the situation in Ukraine from outside and creates an unacceptable threat of a strategic nature for Russia, the response will be lightning-fast, decisions on this matter have been made," he said.

Russia, he said, continues to search the ways to overcome the Western sanctions and it will respond to restrictions and attempts to isolate Moscow "with greater openness to entrepreneurship."

Putin also said the Ukrainian saboteurs prepare provocations against Russian journalists and they use in Russia "methods of killing journalists on the street that were common in Ukraine."

At least 2,787 civilians have been killed and 3,152 others injured in Ukraine since the war started on Feb. 24, according to UN estimates. The true toll is believed to be much higher.

So far, 7.7 million people in Ukraine have been internally displaced, with more than 5.3 million fleeing to other countries, according to the UN refugee agency.