MOSCOW—Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that Western supplies of weapons to Ukraine would change nothing on the battlefield but only further escalate the conflict, adding that foreign-made tanks were a “priority target” for Moscow’s forces.
Mr. Putin, in comments to state television made after a NATO summit in which Ukraine won a promise of eventual membership, also reaffirmed his stance that such a move would threaten Russia’s own security and escalate global tensions further.
“The supply of new weapons will only aggravate the situation… and will further fuel the conflict,” Mr. Putin said.
Asked about France’s decision to supply Ukraine with long-range cruise missiles which can travel 250 km (155 miles), Mr. Putin said: “Yes, they cause damage, but nothing critical happens in the war zone with their use.”…