◀ anchor ▶
Russian President Putin has signed a territorial annexation of four occupied territories in southeastern Ukraine.
He said that he would protect the newly incorporated territory by all means, and even mentioned the fact that the United States conducted a nuclear attack on Japan during World War II.
Paris Connect.
Correspondent Cho Myong-ah, it’s only been three days since the referendum on the annexation ended, but how fast is it going?
◀ reporter ▶
Yes, Russian President Putin held a ceremony for the annexation of the four occupied territories at the Kremlin yesterday afternoon local time.
It has been three days since the vote on the merger of Kherson, Zaporiza, Donetsk and Luhansk.
In his speech, Putin mentioned in particular that “the United States has used nuclear weapons against Japan twice,” and stressed that “Russia will use all means to defend its territory.”
Since the US has already used nuclear weapons, it seems that Russia is also under pressure to use nuclear weapons.
[블라디미르 푸틴/러시아 대통령]
“We have to give up this shameful part. The West’s dominance has already begun to be destroyed and is irreversible.”
◀ anchor ▶
By the way, don’t the U.S. and European countries also view Russia’s annexation of territory as illegal?
◀ reporter ▶
First, Ukrainian President Zelensky made clear his intention to restore territory, saying, “As long as Putin is president, there will be no negotiations.”
EU leaders issued a joint statement stating that “illegal mergers cannot be tolerated”.
The United States announced a large-scale sanctions plan and decided to impose additional sanctions on hundreds of people, including the Russian deputy prime minister, defense minister, and members of the House of Representatives.
In particular, President Biden issued a warning by naming Putin himself.
[조 바이든/미국 대통령]
“The United States and NATO are perfectly prepared to give up not a single span of NATO territory. Hear me, President Putin.”
◀ anchor ▶
Tensions between Russia and the western countries are getting higher and higher. Do you think there is a possibility of a nuclear attack in the end?
◀ reporter ▶
Tensions in Europe have certainly increased over the news of Russia’s annexation of occupied territories.
The reason Russia hastily annexed is that the newly incorporated area is also Russian territory, and that it will also cover the nuclear umbrella.
It can be seen as trying to build a justification for using tactical nukes.
In response, the United States and the West are sending warnings.
White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan warned that the United States could take decisive action if Russia goes down a dark path.
The U.S. plans to provide additional large-scale arms support to Ukraine. The newest aircraft carrier, the Gerald Ford, was also dispatched to the Atlantic Ocean.
This is Cho Myung-ah from MBC News in Paris.
Video coverage: Lee Yoo-kyung (Paris) / Video editing: Ryu Daye
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