Putin says Russia will not attack NATO countries, but F-16s will be legitimate targets “wherever they might be located”

 Russia has no intention of attacking Poland, the Baltic states or the Czech Republic but Russia will shoot down F-16 fighter jets if the West supplies them to Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin said late on Wednesday․

Speaking to Russian air force pilots, Putin said Moscow had no plans to attack a NATO state.

"The idea that we will attack some other country - Poland, the Baltic States, and the Czechs are also being scared - is complete nonsense. It's just drivel," he said.

Asked about F-16 fighters which the West has promised to send to Ukraine, Putin said such aircraft would not change the situation in the battlefield.

"And we will destroy the aircraft just as we destroy today tanks, armoured vehicles and other equipment, including multiple rocket launchers. Of course, if they are used from airfields in third countries, they will become legitimate targets for us, wherever they might be located," Putin said.

Ukraine is expecting to receive F-16 fighter jets in the coming months.