Putin both reassures and threatens wider war with NATO

Romania is investing €2.5 billion ($2.7 billion) to modernize its Mihail Kogalniceanu air base in preparation for potential confrontations with Russia. Putin has warned that any Western airbase hosting US-made F-16 fighter jets would be a "legitimate target" for Russian forces, and Russia could consider expanding its military actions beyond Ukraine if successful. Putin also denied initiating conflict with NATO countries and dismissed claims that Russia's ambitions extend beyond Ukraine as "nonsense." The articles agree that NATO activities in the region are aimed at preparing allies for potential conflicts, creating additional risks for Russia. However, Putin downplayed the impact of F-16 fighter jets on the battlefield if supplied to Ukraine.