At a press conference in the Kazakh capital of Astana, Russian President Putin warned of a “global catastrophe” if a confrontation between NATO and Russia was to occur. He said he hopes those who say “such things” are “wise enough not to take such steps”.

He is reacting to the statements made by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. He called Russia’s nuclear rhetoric “dangerous” and “reckless”. He also said the Russians could face “serious consequences” if the country uses nuclear weapons against Ukraine.

Putin also gave an update on “partial” mobilization in Russia. He expects it to be completed in two weeks. According to the President, 222,000 of the announced 300,000 people have now been mobilized. A total of 30,000 reservists would already be among the military units, 16,000 of them would also have been deployed at the front. There are no additional mobilization plans, he says.

In recent days there have been Russian rocket attacks on cities across Ukraine. Putin said earlier this week that the missile strikes were aimed at Ukrainian military, communications and energy targets.

The rocket attacks were followed by an explosion on the Crimean bridge last Saturday. Russia blames Ukraine for this. “If the attacks continue, we will answer them harshly,” he said shortly afterwards in a brief televised address.

Further rocket attacks on Ukraine are not necessary for the time being, Putin said, since the attacks were successful this week.

Russia correspondent Iris de Graaf:

“That sounds hopeful, but he really emphasized, ‘For now.’ And he also said ‘We’ll see what happens’. So he deliberately leaves room to be able to react again to what he sees as provocations from Ukraine or the Ukraine.” West, like the explosion on the Crimean Bridge.

It fits the picture: Putin continues to insist that Russia will only attack military targets “if provoked”. And so, on occasions like this, like a summit in Kazakhstan, he wants to reassert the image of a “peaceful leader” and of Russia that “only responds to provocations”, both to the outside world and to its own people.”