Vladimir Putin: Russia will target Ukraine if it joins NATO

Russian President Vladimir Putin threatened on Tuesday that Russia might be forced to turn its defensive missiles against Ukraine if it will join NATO, Reuters informs. Putin made the statements when prompted by journalists about Russia’s reaction to a possible NATO enlargement that would include Ukraine.

Putin added that if Ukraine would host a missile shield, Russia will directly target Ukraine with its defensive missiles.

Over the last couple of years, Russia and NATO have had several tense disputes regarding NATO plans to set up a missile shield system in Eastern Europe.