INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Russian President Vladimir Putin warned Tuesday of "serious consequences" if Western countries allowed Ukraine to use their weapons to
strike Russia.Speaking in Uzbekistan, Putin's comments came in response to calls within some NATO member states to allow Ukraine to hit
targets inside Russia."This constant escalation can lead to serious consequences," Putin said."In Europe, especially in small countries,
they should be aware of what they are playing with," he added.The Russian leader said leaders should bear in mind the "small territory" and
"dense population" of many European countries."And this factor, which they should keep in mind before they talk about striking deep into
Russian territory, is a serious thing."He said that while Ukraine would carry out the strikes, the responsibility for them would lie with
Western suppliers of the weapons."They want a global conflict," he added.Putin also said that while he believed Western military instructors
were already in Ukraine operating undercover as mercenaries, countries such as France sending them officially would be another
"escalation.""It is another step towards a serious conflict in Europe, towards a global conflict," he said.Ukraine's top commander announced
Monday that talks were being held with France on sending military instructors to the country."There are specialists there under the guise of
mercenaries," Putin said, adding that "this was nothing new."He said that they would be "defeated" by the Russian army and that "we will do
what we think is necessary regardless of who is on the territory of Ukraine.""They should be aware of this," Putin said.
