Ukraine War Live Updates: Putin says NATO Won’t be Attacked

Russian President Vladimir Putin dismissed the idea that Russia could attack NATO, but he warned that any F-16 fighters given to Ukraine by its Western allies would be legitimate targets for Russian forces.

Speaking to air force pilots Wednesday, Putin said U.S. spending on defense exceeded Russia’s and said, “are we, having this ratio, going to fight with NATO, or what? Well, this is just nonsense!” news agency Tass reported.

Asked about the delivery of F-16 jet fighters, which a number of European countries have pledged to deliver to Ukraine, Putin said such combat aircraft would not change the war.

In other news, Ukraine’s intelligence chief claimed on Wednesday that Russia was aware that a terrorist attack was being planned since at least Feb.15.

Kyrylo Budanov, the head of Ukrainian military intelligence, told a defense forum that Russia knew of a plot to attack it well ahead of the March 22 attack at the Crocus City Hall concert venue in Moscow, in which 143 died. He did not present evidence for his claims.

‘Absolute silence’ required for Gershkovich exchange talks, Kremlin says

The Kremlin said “absolute silence” is necessary while government-level talks take place over a possible prisoner exchange involving detained Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich.

“With regard to exchange matters, we have repeatedly emphasized that there are certain contacts, but they must be carried out in absolute silence,” Peskov told reporters in his daily press briefing, news agency RIA Novosti said.

“Violation of this ... only creates additional problems and prevents people from achieving any result in this process,” Peskov said.