In a rare press conference with foreign news outlets, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his criticism of the West's decision to supply long-range weapons to Ukraine. He argued that if the West could arm Ukraine to strike targets inside Russia, then Moscow would have the right to supply similar weapons to regions where strikes could be carried out on Western countries.

Putin emphasized that delivering arms to a warzone is always a dangerous step, especially when those supplying the weapons also have control over them. He specifically singled out Germany, stating that the appearance of German-supplied tanks on Ukrainian soil had provoked moral and ethical shock in Russia, due to the legacy of World War II. He warned that the escalation of missile strikes on Russian territory would definitively destroy Russian-German relations.

Addressing allegations that Russia started the war in Ukraine, Putin argued that a pro-Western revolution in 2014 was to blame for the conflict. He declined to disclose the number of Russia's battlefield losses, but mentioned that Ukraine's losses were five times higher. The issue of military casualties is highly sensitive in Russia, where criticism of the conflict is banned and spreading false information about the army carries severe legal consequences.

When asked about the killing of an AFP video journalist in Ukraine last year, Putin indicated Russia's readiness to assist with the investigation. He acknowledged the challenges in conducting such investigations in a warzone but stated that Russia would do everything in its power to cooperate.

In regards to the impact of former U.S. President Donald Trump or incumbent President Joe Biden on U.S.-Russia relations, Putin shrugged off the question, claiming that there was no significant difference. However, he denounced the recent criminal charges against Trump for business fraud, arguing that it undermined the idea of the U.S. as a leading democracy, stating that their supposed leadership in democracy was being "burned to the ground."

Putin also revealed that Russia and the United States were in constant contact regarding a potential prisoner exchange, aimed at freeing jailed U.S. journalist Evan Gershkovich who was arrested on espionage charges last year. He emphasized that any decision on a prisoner exchange would be based on reciprocity.

The comments made by Putin during the press conference highlight the growing tensions between Russia and the West, particularly in relation to the conflict in Ukraine. The Russian President's warning of a possible asymmetric response to the West's weapon deliveries raises concerns about further escalation in the region.