Russian President Vladimir Putin has hit back at those who suggested that Russia's natural wealth held in northern Siberia may not belong to Russia.
In a speech, Putin said that he would 'knock out the teeth' of any foreign power who attempted to take any part of Russia's territory.
He also added:
"Some even dare to say publicly that it is allegedly unfair that Russia owns the wealth of a region such as Siberia. Only one country does. Everyone wants to 'bite' us somewhere or 'bite off' something of ours, but those that would do this should know that we will knock out the teeth of all of them so they aren't able to bite... And the key to this is the development of our armed forces."
It is as yet unconfirmed, but it is suggested that a former U.S. secretary of state, Madeleine Albright, had also made a statement questioning the ownership of Siberia's natural wealth. Albright has denied making any such statements.
The Siberian region is known to have vast oil and gas reserves as well as precious minerals. However, as it encroaches into the Arctic circle, some suggest that the area is not the legal property of Russia.
The statements are likely to further sour relations between Moscow and Washington D.C.
Russia had been somewhat closer to the United States during the reign of Donald Trump. However, Joe Biden is known to be a very strong critic of Russia and the Putin regime.
Russia and the United States have been at loggerheads over a number of issues, primarily Russia and NATO involvement in Afghanistan and the annexation of Crimea by Russia, which is internationally recognised as part of Ukraine.
Biden has also been critical of Russia's alleged attempts to undermine Western democracies and the alleged attempts to influence elections.
There is also the worry that both Russia and the United States will also break nuclear arms treaties.
[h/t: Reuters]
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