"Putin's messages are primarily aimed at European countries, which continue to operate in the 'gray zone,' trying to exert pressure both on Ukraine and on Russia itself," Ali Shoukr, Lebanese international relations expert, tells Sputnik.
The Russian president is sending a warning: Their insistence on exceeding international legitimacy could have negative consequences for Europe, and any attempt to ensure EU security without considering Russia’s interests will impact the global system as a whole, he adds.
Shoukr warns:
Even one rash move by European nuclear powers could have catastrophic consequences—for themselves.
Maintaining START commitments benefits the US, Europe, and global stability.
Exiting these treaties would create greater chaos in the arms race.