unlimited travel railcard

4, 5 or 7-day passes: 17 January – 13 July

10 or 15-day passes: 17 January – 8 June

33 European countries

This includes the option to travel in your country of residence, but is limited to two journeys (one to leave and one to return).

Full list of railway operators

How it works

• Take as many trains as you like on each of your travel days.
• To use and activate your Interrail Pass, download Interrail’s Rail Planner App .
• Your Interrail Pass EURO 2024 is only valid in combination with your EURO 2024 Fan Pass . All ticket holders will have access to a Fan Pass for free. You will need to show your Fan Pass when travelling on the train – just like a railcard.
• For some trains, it is mandatory to book seat reservations . Be sure to make them early, as trains fill up quickly. Please check the reservation policy of each train you plan to take.
• Trains will be busy, so it’s strongly recommended to book a seat reservation even if it's not mandatory. Otherwise, you may need to stand.

❓ FAQs: Interrail Pass EURO 2024

Your Interrail Pass EURO 2024 can only be used to travel between 9 June and 21 July.

Depending on which option you choose, it is either valid for a month within this period (4, 5 and 7-day passes) or the full period (10 or 15-day passes).

The end of the travel period is 21 July for all passes , even if you activate your pass less than a month before this date. For example, if you choose to activate your pass on 13 July to travel to the final in Berlin, your Interrail Pass EURO 2024 will become invalid after 21 July.

No. It’s only available for European citizens (not German residents) and non-Europeans with an official residence in Europe. German residents can benefit from the DB Ticket EURO 2024 for train travel within Germany instead.

You can purchase one pass per EURO 2024 match ticket.

No, only match ticket holders are entitled to use the Interrail Pass EURO 2024 for travel. Your Interrail Pass EURO 2024 is only valid in combination with the EURO 2024 Fan Pass.

You can either travel together, or they can transfer their match ticket to you. Once you have a match ticket in your UEFA Mobile Ticket app , you can access your EURO 2024 Fan Pass in the UEFA EURO 2024 app . On board the train, simply show your Fan Pass together with your Interrail Pass.

You will need to show your free EURO 2024 Fan Pass on each train. The Fan Pass will allow you to prove that you have a match ticket, even when match tickets have not been sent to your mobile phone.

No, the Interrail Pass EURO 2024 is only available to match ticket holders. If you don't have a match ticket, you can purchase any other regular Interrail Pass.

The EURO 2024 Fan Pass is brand new and will provide you with access to exclusive perks for your tournament experience. The Fan Pass is available for free on the UEFA EURO 2024 app .

On the train, the Fan Pass works just like any other railcard or discount card. Show it to the conductor together with your valid Interrail Pass EURO 2024.

Yes, you can buy one pass per match ticket. However, if you’re going to multiple matches, purchasing a single Interrail Pass EURO 2024 with more travel days could be a better option.

No, the Interrail Pass EURO 2024 is non-refundable and non-exchangeable.

No, the Interrail Pass EURO 2024 is personalised.

Check out the full list of railway companies covered on the Interrail website.

The Interrail Pass EURO 2024 allows for up to two journeys in your home country: one to leave and one to return.

For all questions relating to the Interrail Pass EURO 2024, please contact Interrail:

For questions relating to your EURO 2024 match ticket, have a look at the Ticket FAQs .

Match ticket holders are entitled to a 36 Hour Travel Pass for the entire regional public transport network at no additional cost.

⏳ Validity period

From 06:00 on your matchday until 18:00 the following day.

🎫 How to get your pass

Your 36 Hour Travel Pass is included in your free Fan Pass .

• Download your Fan Pass on the EURO 2024 App .
• Simply hop on board and have your Fan Pass ready to show to inspection staff if requested
• No need to scan the Fan Pass before boarding the metro, train or bus.

🗺️ Travel area

Passengers pass turnstiles at the Serpukhovskaya station of the Serpukhovsko-Timiryazevskaya Moscow metro line.

Moscow residents can now top up their Troika transport cards with the official Moscow Metro app, subway representatives announced on Oct. 31. To put money on the card, passengers simply need to download the app and transfer money via NFC connection. What other ways can you pay for riding on Moscow’s public transport?

Troika card

It’s by far the most convenient option for using public transport in the Russian capital. This plastic card is valid for five years, so you don’t need to throw it away after your trip to Russia. You can ride with a Troika on the Moscow metro, as well as Moscow’s Central Ring, buses, trams, and trolley buses.

One ride costs 35 rubles ($0.6), but if you change transport within 90 minutes you will only pay 19 rubles ($0.33) for the next journey. Further changes within those 90 minutes are free.

You can top up your card with the subway attendants who sit behind the glass panels, automated terminals, or via the special Moscow Metro app . Kiosks accept both cash and cards. According to the Moscow Metropolitan official site, you can only keep 3,000 rubles ($51) on your Troika. If you don’t use up all your credit before you leave Moscow, you can cash in the card and get your money back - but this is only possible to do at Metro Service Centers (Ulitsa 1905 Goda street, 25 or  Staraya Basmanaya Street, 20 bld 1; 8 a.m.-8 p.m. daily).

Your Troika’s balance can be checked on the app or on the small yellow terminals inside the metro stations.

Important point – one card should only be used by one person (the subway’s rules state that every person should have their own ticket). You can also be hit with a fine of 1,000 ($17) if caught riding the underground without a ticket.

How to get a Troika: Get the card in any metro kiosk or automated ticket office. The card is free, but you need to leave 50 rubles ($0.85) as a deposit. You can return it after.   

United (Yediny) ticket

This red paper card can have 1, 2, 20, 40, or 60 rides on any kind of Moscow public transport, and the price depends on the number of rides (more rides you buy the less you pay for a ride), from 55 rubles ($0.95) to 28 rubles ($0.48). If you plan to use transport a lot, you can buy a ticket for 60 rides for 1,700 rubles ($30). A ticket for one or two rides is only valid for five days, while other kind of tickets can be used for 90 days.

If you don’t plan to use metro, you can order a card for ground transport only (it will be dark blue with TAT letters on the cover). This card costs 1,150 rubles ($19) for 60 rides.

How to get it: You can buy this card in any metro kiosk. Cards for one or two rides can be also purchased in automated ticket offices.

Daily tickets

Muscovites often buy tickets without ride limits for specific periods – 30 days, 60 days, or one year. But Moscow Metro suggest special tickets for tourists – for one day (210 rubles, or $3.6), three days (400 rubles, $6.9) or seven days (800 rubles, $13.8). They also can be used on any kind of public transport. Tourists’ tickets also have no limit for rides.

How to get it: You can buy this card in any metro kiosk.

90 minute ticket

Another kind of ticket allows one ride on the metro and any number of rides on other Moscow public transport within 90 minutes. The card can be for one (65 rubles, or $1.1), two ($130 rubles, or $2.2), and 60 rides (2,650 rubles, or $46). This card is useful if you have to catch different kinds of transport for a short time.

It’s helpful to add this card to your Troika. Moreover, it will save the paper.

Payment via smartphones

Smartphone owners can  pay  travel fares via Samsung Pay and Apple Pay, linked with MasterCard credit card and the Wallet app. Apple Pay can also be installed on iWatch. The price for one fare costs 40 rubles ($0.7). You can also use these apps for buying usual tickets in kiosks.

Since late 2016, this system has been available at all ring railway stations and 80 metro stations across the city.

In the future, smartphone-enabled ticket turnstiles will be installed at all Moscow metro stations.

How to get it: Download the Samsung Pay and Apple Pay and start riding!

Unique tickets have recently appeared in Moscow. Bracelets, rings, and keychains with transport microchips are not only a souvenir from the Russian capital, but also a serious way to use metropolitan. The deposit price for a bracelet is 450 rubles ($8), for a keychain – 350 rubles ($6). One ring costs 2,200 rubles ($38). The price for a fare is the same as for the Troika card.

How to get it: Only at the Pushkinskaya metro station souvenir kiosk and souvenir shops in the Mayakovskaya and Trubnaya metro stations.

Actually there are other options to inserts transport microchip – for example, in 2015 Moscow engineer Vlad Zaitsev implanted a chip in his hand, so all he has to do is wave at the turnstile and he’s away - but we recommend enjoying Moscow’s transport in a more conventional way. 

If using any of Russia Beyond's content, partly or in full, always provide an active hyperlink to the original material.

to our newsletter!

Get the week's best stories straight to your inbox

• Why the new 'Moscow' metro train is being called the best
• Smart Moscow: How technology transforms urban living
• How Moscow's metro grew in 82 years
• How to meet a girl on the Moscow Metro?
• Treasures of the Moscow Metro: Hidden gems of the Purple Line stations

This website uses cookies. Click here to find out more.

Personal Finance

Best travel credit cards for june 2024.

Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we may earn a commission from our partners’ links. This content is created independently from TIME’s editorial staff. Learn more about it.

The best travel credit cards unlock a world of free and discounted travel. If you travel a lot, one of these cards could be worth obtaining. Depending on your travel preferences and goals, you may want a card with no annual fee, ultra-luxury premium rewards, or many points per purchase. Here’s a closer look at the best travel rewards cards to help you see the world at a fraction of the cost.

Best Travel Credit Cards: Summary

Best for beginners: card_name, best for premium travel: card_name, best for no annual fee: card_name, best for intro bonus offer: card_name, best for airport lounge access: card_name, best for business: card_name, best for insurance coverage: card_name, best airline credit card: card_name.

• Best hotel credit card: Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® credit card

Our recommendations for the best travel credit card

The best travel credit card varies depending on your travel preferences. If you’re loyal to a specific airline or hotel, you may consider that brand’s card. A general miles or points rewards card could be the best choice for travelers looking to get the maximum value across a wider range of redemption options.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Why we like it:, product details:.

• Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel(SM).
• Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel(SM), 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
• Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel(SM). For example, 75,000 points are worth $937.50 toward travel.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
• Member FDIC

The card_name is our pick for the best credit card for general travel rewards for beginners. It does a great job of balancing a robust rewards program with a reasonable annual fee. If you’re new to travel rewards cards or want a top card you can use everywhere without spending more than $100 per year, this card should be on your shortlist.

New users who spend at least $4,000 on the card in the first three months get 60,000 bonus points worth $750 when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards . For purchases, you’ll earn five points per dollar spent on travel at Chase Ultimate Rewards; three points for dining and eligible delivery services, online grocery purchases, excluding Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs, and select streaming services; two points for other travel; and one point everywhere else. Points are transferable to airline and hotel partners, including United , Southwest , and Marriott.

The card also provides other perks, including travel and purchase protections. You’ll also get $50 back as a statement credit each year for hotels booked through Chase. While there’s a annual_fees annual fee, it’s easy to see how you’ll get that back and much more every year when using the card regularly.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

One of the newer premium travel cards, card_name , comes with a wide set of travel benefits, including access to Capital One lounges and more than 1,300 additional lounges through Priority Pass and Plaza Premium Group. While the card requires a steep annual_fees annual fee, getting that value back and more is easy. Users get a $300 annual statement credit for travel booked through Capital One Travel, a $100 credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry , and a $100 statement credit with other premium services when booking certain hotels through Capital One.

The card_name starts new users with 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in the first three months, and you’ll earn 10,000 bonus miles annually on your account anniversary. For purchases, you’ll get 10x miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 5x miles per dollar on flights booked through Capital One Travel, and 2x everywhere else. Capital One miles are redeemable through Capital One and a list of transfer partners .

Other benefits include premium experiences and museum access through complementary memberships to PRIOR, The Cultivist, and $300 toward a Gravity Hauss membership. If you book a flight when Capital One Travel recommends and the price drops within 10 days, you can get up to $50 credit back.

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

If you don’t want to shell out $100 yearly just to have a travel rewards card, the card_name could be a winner. With this card, users earn five miles per dollar spent on rental cars and hotels booked through Capital One Travel and an unlimited 1.25 miles per dollar on other purchases.

New users can earn 20,000 bonus miles after spending $500 in purchases in the first three months. There are no foreign transaction fees, either, and the list of travel insurance and purchase coverage is impressive, considering there’s annual_fees annual fee.

Another advantage is that VentureOne starts new users with a intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration and balance_transfer_intro_apr,balance_transfer_intro_duration . If you want to consolidate and pay off other cards or make a big purchase interest-free, card_name may be the best choice for you.

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

card_name is an excellent card for easy-to-understand travel rewards. You earn 5x miles per dollar spent on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and a flat 2x miles per dollar on other purchases. These miles can be redeemed through the Capital One Travel site, used to cover the cost of a recent eligible travel purchase, or transferred to a list of partner travel brands. Redeeming them for cash, events, and gift cards is also possible.

Other benefits include a credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, two free Capital One lounge visits per year, and the most important travel and purchase protections anyone would want from a travel card.

There’s a annual_fees annual fee, but it’s easy to get that back and more redeeming Capital One miles for travel.

The Platinum Card® from American Express

The card_name is an ultra-luxury credit card unlocking a huge heap of benefits, including express lanes and access to lounges at airports, gold status at Marriott and Hilton hotels, and about $1,500 worth of various travel, membership, and purchase credits. On top of that, new users can earn 80,000 membership rewards points after spending $6,000 in the first three months.

The card carries a steep annual_fees annual fee ( Rates & Fees ), but it’s easy to see how you get more than that back in a year if you use its benefits fully. Additional users can get free Amex Gold cards or up to three additional Platinum cards at $175 per year. Additional users beyond that cost $175 each.

Benefits include a hotel credit worth up to $200 for prepaid bookings with American Express Travel for Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection, a $189 statement credit annually to cover a Clear membership, a credit of up to $100 for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, up to $20 per month for select entertainment purchases, up to $300 per year in statement credits for Equinox memberships, $12.95 per month in statement credits for a Walmart+ membership, and $50 in statement credits twice per year when shopping at Saks Fifth Avenue. It also includes $15 monthly in Uber Cash ($20 in December) and Uber VIP status. Users also get Gold-level status with the Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors programs .

The rewards are not all that impressive, however. You earn five points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel, hotels booked on Amex Travel, and one point for everything else. Points are redeemable through Amex and transferable to a list of airline and hotel partners. The card is worthwhile for frequent travelers when you add up the massive travel benefits.

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

The is the best business card for travel due to its rewards flexibility, foreign transaction fees, and protective consumer benefits.

You may like the card_name if you run a business, even a side hustle. The card comes with a huge 100,000-point bonus after spending $15,000 in the first three months. That’s worth $1,250 in travel when redeemed through Chase or potentially more when transferring to travel partners.

The card features 3x points per dollar on shipping purchases, advertising purchases made with social media sites and search engines, internet, cable and phone services purchases, and travel.

The card also comes with a good list of travel and purchase protections, including cell phone insurance when you use the card to pay your monthly bill. And like most premium travel cards, there are no foreign transaction fees. While it has a huge starting bonus and great benefits, it also requires a annual_fees annual fee.

Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card

This card's generous benefits and flexible Chase Ultimate Rewards points make it an excellent deal for those who can use them. Users get a Priority Pass Select airport lounge membership (retail value $469), a $300 annual travel credit that applies to travel purchases each year, 50% more value when redeeming their rewards for travel through Chase, a fee credit toward Global Entry or TSA PreCheck membership , and a generous suite of travel insurance benefits.

• Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,125 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel(SM).
• $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel(SM) immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel(SM). For example, 75,000 points are worth $1125 toward travel.
• 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
• Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass(TM) Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck(R)

card_name is a premium travel card loaded with valuable benefits. While it requires a large annual_fees annual fee, you get the first $300 back on travel purchases with the card, up to $100 in statement credits every four years for TSA’s trusted traveler programs, and a complimentary Priority Pass Select membership with access to more than 1,300 lounges.

New users can earn 60,000 bonus points after $4,000 in purchases in the first three months. For purchases, you’ll earn 10x points per dollar spent with Chase Dining or when booking hotels or rental cars through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 5x for flights booked through Chase, 3x for travel and dining purchases, including restaurant delivery, and 1x everywhere else.

The package of travel and purchase insurance is also quite valuable. The card includes trip cancellation/interruption insurance, auto rental collision damage waiver coverage, lost luggage reimbursement, trip delay reimbursement, and emergency evacuation insurance. For purchases, it includes purchase protection for new purchases for up to 120 days, return protection, and up to an additional year of warranty coverage.

United℠ Explorer Card

If you’re looking for an airline-specific credit card, the card_name Chase is a standout option. The card comes with a list of benefits rewarding United travelers, with bonus miles, free checked bags, and other benefits. New users can earn 60,000 miles after spending $3,000 with the card in the first three months.

You’ll earn 2x miles per dollar for purchases with United. The same 2x rate extends to dining, restaurant delivery, and hotels booked directly through the hotel company. It features 1x mile per dollar on all other purchases.

When flying with United, the cardholder and a companion get their first checked bag free, worth up to $140 per roundtrip. The card also includes an opportunity to earn Premier qualifying points, which get you closer to elite United status. Users also get a one-year complimentary DashPass subscription, offering discounts with DoorDash. It includes excellent travel insurance benefits, purchase protection, extended warranty protection, and complimentary Visa Signature Concierge service access.

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card: Best hotel credit card

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card

The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card from Chase is a top hotel card. While it has a $95 annual fee, an annual free night award worth up to 35,000 points is easily worth more. When you stack points from the card and Marriott Bonvoy membership, you can earn up to 17x points per dollar on purchases made with Marriott, which has more than 7,000 properties worldwide.

New users can earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 in the first three months after opening a new account. Users get automatic Silver Elite status and credit toward the Gold Elite tier. The card also features a one-year complimentary DoorDash DashPass membership.

Travel insurance benefits are fair and include lost luggage reimbursement, baggage delay insurance, and trip delay reimbursement. It also includes purchase protection and Visa Signature Concierge service.

Best travel credit card comparison chart

Our methodology.

To choose the best travel credit cards, our team reviewed dozens of cards from multiple issuers. We looked at the best rewards for regular purchases, the best signup bonuses, and the best travel-related benefits. We also considered annual fees and other common costs that you’re likely to incur. We didn’t, however, consider interest rates, as travel rewards cards are best for users who pay off the card in full monthly to avoid interest charges.

How to maximize your rewards with your travel credit card

If you want to maximize your rewards with travel credit cards, follow these quick tips:

• Use your credit card for every purchase: You don’t earn miles or points when you don’t use the card. Use your rewards card for every eligible purchase to earn as much as possible. But be careful not to overspend and get into trouble with high card balances.
• Consider multiple rewards cards: Mixing and matching multiple cards can get you the best rewards. For example, picking one card for restaurants, one for groceries , and one for gas could help you earn more.
• Research each redemption: Don’t redeem your points without considering the value. When transferring to airline partners, getting values well over one cent per point is possible.

How to choose a travel credit card

Everyone has different travel goals, credit histories, incomes, and spending habits. Here are some additional considerations to guide your choice:

• Spending habits: If you always cook at home and never go to restaurants, a restaurant rewards card wouldn’t be practical. Consider your budget and spending habits to find the best card .
• Annual fee tolerance: Some people are okay with annual fees, while others will only tolerate them up to a certain point. With some popular cards requiring over $600 per year, you have to ask yourself what you would be willing to pay and which benefits you’ll use regularly.
• Desired benefits: If you want airport lounges, status with a certain hotel or airline, or fast lines at the airport, find a card with those benefits.
• Brand loyalty: Finally, if you love one airline or hotel—or simply find one most convenient for your travel priorities—its branded card could be a good choice or addition to one of the cards above.

How to compare credit cards

Every issuer offers different benefits and rewards. When comparing travel cards, look at the rewards program to determine if it favors your spending habits. Then look at any costs or fees you expect to pay, such as annual or foreign transaction fees. Next, look at statement credits and other benefits. The card that yields you the biggest net benefits (rewards and benefits minus expected annual fees and other costs) should be your top pick.

Also, consider the card’s credit score and other credit requirements before applying. That information should be available on the issuer’s website or by contacting its customer service desk.

Types of travel credit cards

Our favorite travel credit cards are general miles and points rewards cards. General rewards cards feature points or miles redeemable at a big list of airlines, hotels, and potentially additional travel companies.

Depending on your location and travel preferences, you may also find brand-specific cards helpful. For example, the United MileagePlus Explorer card comes with benefits and rewards miles only for use with United Airlines. Most airlines and hotels offer at least one credit card for loyal customers.

Alternatives to travel credit cards

If you don’t want a travel credit card, cash back credit cards are an excellent choice. Many of them have no annual fee. And, if you’re not into travel, the rewards come in the form of cash or points redeemable for cash.

Most cards with cash back rewards allow you to redeem for statement credits, which lower your credit card balance; direct deposit to a linked bank account; and sometimes for travel, gift cards, Amazon.com purchases, and other redemptions. Merchandise is usually a low-value redemption for your points.

You can also find cards with no rewards, often featuring lower fees and interest rates. A secured credit card may be the right choice for someone with bad credit or no credit.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What’s the difference between points and miles on a travel credit card.

Points and miles on a travel credit card are rewards earned through spending on the card. While they share similarities, there are some major differences between them.

General rewards points tend to offer more flexibility for redemption, as they can be used for various rewards, including flights, hotel stays, car rentals, and even cash back. However, miles are usually restricted to flight redemptions with a specific airline or its partners. Some travel credit cards may allow you to convert miles into points or vice versa, but this typically comes with a conversion rate and may not always offer the best value.

Ultimately, the difference between points and miles on a travel credit card comes down to how they are earned, their redemption options, and their value. Understanding the specific rewards program and choosing a card that aligns with your travel habits and preferences is essential to maximizing your rewards.

How do I know if a travel credit card is right for me?

Determining if a travel credit card is right depends on your spending habits, travel frequency, and personal preferences. First, consider your travel patterns and the type of travel rewards you desire—such as airline miles, hotel points, or more flexible rewards redeemable for various travel expenses. Frequent travelers who can take advantage of perks like lounge access, priority boarding, or free checked bags may find travel credit cards more valuable.

Additionally, assess your spending habits and ability to earn rewards. Travel credit cards often have higher annual fees and interest rates, so ensure that you can offset these costs through rewards, perks, and benefits. The right travel credit card for you should align with your lifestyle, provide valuable rewards, and offer perks that enhance your travel experiences.

The information presented here is created independently from the TIME editorial staff. To learn more, see our About page.

Putin warns that Russia could provide long-range weapons to others to strike Western targets

• Show more sharing options
• Copy Link URL Copied!

Russian President Vladimir Putin warned Germany on Wednesday that the use of its weapons by Ukraine to strike targets inside Russia would mark a “dangerous step” and he said Moscow could provide long-range weapons to others to strike Western targets.

Such action by the West will further undermine international security and could lead to “very serious problems,” he said.

“That would mark their direct involvement in the war against the Russian Federation, and we reserve the right to act the same way,” Putin added.

He said the action by Germany could ruin relations between Berlin and Moscow.

World & Nation

Putin warns again that Russia is ready to use nuclear weapons if its sovereignty is threatened

In a preelection interview, President Vladimir Putin says Russia is ready to use nuclear weapons if its sovereignty or independence is threatened.

March 13, 2024

Germany joined the United States recently in authorizing Ukraine to hit some targets on Russian soil with the long-range weapons they are supplying to Kyiv. The deliveries of German tanks to Ukraine came as a shock to many in Russia, Putin said.

“Now if they use missiles to strike facilities on the Russian territory, it will completely ruin Russian-German relations,” he said.

On Wednesday, a Western official and a U.S. senator said Ukraine has used American weapons to strike inside Russia under newly approved guidance from President Biden. It allows U.S. arms to be used for the limited purpose of defending Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, which is near the Russian border. The official was not authorized to comment publicly on the matter and spoke on condition of anonymity.

Taking questions from international journalists for the first time since his inauguration last month to a fifth term, Putin also said nothing will change in terms of Russia-U.S. relations regardless of whether Biden or Donald Trump wins the U.S. presidential election in November.

Putin says he won’t start a war with NATO but Western bases hosting Ukraine F-16s would be targets

Vladimir Putin has scoffed at the possibility of Russia launching an attack on a NATO member. Still, he says Western bases hosting Ukraine F-16s would be targets.

March 28, 2024

“We will work with any president the American people elect,” Putin said, speaking on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.

“I say absolutely, sincerely, I wouldn’t say that we believe that after the election something will change on the Russian track in the American politics,” he added. “We don’t think so. We think nothing that serious will happen.”

Putin also said Trump’s felony conviction at his hush money trial last week was the result of “the use of the court system as part of the internal political struggle.”

The Russian leader faced questions on a wide range of topics from senior news leaders of international news agencies, including the Associated Press, although the war in Ukraine dominated the session.

Biden partially lifts ban on Ukraine using U.S. arms to strike inside Russia, officials say

President Biden gives Ukraine the go-ahead to use American weaponry to strike inside Russia for the limited purpose of defending Kharkiv, officials say.

May 30, 2024

Asked about the number of Russian military losses in more than two years of fighting, Putin said that no country would reveal that information during hostilities but claimed without offering proof that Ukraine’s casualties are five times greater than Russia’s.

He also asserted that Ukraine has more than 1,300 Russian troops in captivity, while more than 6,400 Ukrainian soldiers are being held in Russia. The claims could not be independently verified.

Putin has used the annual forum as a showcase for touting Russia’s development and seeking investors. While meetings with journalists were part of previous sessions, he has not taken questions from Western journalists at the St. Petersburg event since his troops invaded Ukraine in February 2022.

Last year, journalists from countries that Russia regards as unfriendly — including the U.S., the U.K. and European Union nations — were not invited, and Western officials and investors also steered clear of the session after wide-ranging sanctions were imposed on Moscow over Ukraine.

Jordan and Morris write for the Associated Press. AP writer Aamer Madhani in Washington contributed to this report.

More to Read

Putin says he sees no threat warranting use of nuclear arms but again warns Russia could arm Western foes

June 7, 2024

Opinion: Helping Ukraine to strike inside Russia is already paying off

Ukraine uses U.S. weapons to strike inside Russia

June 5, 2024

Russia hits Ukraine’s power grid with ‘massive’ attack

May 8, 2024

News analysis: Why Putin is raising the specter of nuclear weapons again

May 6, 2024

Islamic State claimed the attack on Russia. Why is Putin accusing Ukraine and the West?

March 27, 2024

Russia launches sweeping attack on Ukraine’s power sector, a sign of possible escalation

March 22, 2024

Start your day right

Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.

You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.

More From the Los Angeles Times

Ukraine says it struck a top fighter plane deep inside Russia

June 9, 2024

Your time is up, Italy’s hard-right leader tells EU center parties as she votes in European election

June 8, 2024

Biden calls France ‘our first friend’ as host Macron says, ‘Allied we are and allied we will stay’

In Normandy speech, Biden looks to inspire the push for democracy abroad and at home

Ukraine says it struck a top fighter plane deep inside Russia

In this photo taken on Friday, April 26, 2024 and released by the Russian Defense Ministry Press Service, a Russian soldier poses for a photo next to a 2A65 "Msta-B" howitzer at a position in an undisclosed location in Ukraine. Credit: AP

KYIV, Ukraine — Ukraine on Sunday said its forces hit an ultra-modern Russian warplane stationed on an air base nearly 600 kilometers (370 miles) from the front lines.

Kyiv’s main military intelligence service shared satellite photos it said showed the aftermath of the attack. If confirmed, it would mark Ukraine's first known successful strike on a twin-engine Su-57 stealth jet, lauded as Moscow's most advanced fighter plane.

In one photo, black soot marks and small craters can be seen dotting a concrete strip around the parked aircraft. According to the Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense, the strike took place on Saturday at the Akhtubinsk base in southern Russia, some 589 kilometers (366 miles) from the front line.

The Ukrainian agency said the plane, which is capable of carrying stealth missiles across hundreds of kilometers (miles), was among “a countable few” of its type in Moscow's arsenal. According to reports by Russian agencies, Moscow's air force obtained “more than 10” new Su-57s last year, and has placed an order for a total of 76 to be delivered by 2028.

A spokesman for Ukraine’s military intelligence, Andriy Yusov, hours later said on Ukrainian TV that the attack may have damaged two Su-57 jets parked at the base, and also wounded Russian personnel. He did not immediately give any evidence to support the claim.

Get the latest breaking news as it happens.

By clicking Sign up, you agree to our privacy policy .

Ilya Yevlash, a spokesman for Ukraine's air force, told Ukrainian media in April that Moscow was trying to keep its Su-57 fleet “at a safe distance” from Ukrainian firepower.

The strike comes after the United States and Germany recently authorized Ukraine to hit some targets on Russian soil with the long-range weapons they are supplying to Kyiv. Ukraine has already used U.S. weapons to strike inside Russia under newly approved guidance from President Joe Biden that allows American arms to be used for the limited purpose of defending Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city.

In this photo taken on Friday, April 26, 2024 and released by the Russian Defense Ministry Press Service, Russian soldiers talk to each other near their position in an undisclosed location in Ukraine. Credit: AP

But the airstrip's distance from Ukraine, as well as unofficial comments from Russia, point to the likely use of Ukrainian-made drones. Since Moscow’s full-scale invasion more than two years ago, Kyiv has ramped up domestic drone production and used the munitions to strike deep inside Russia. In January, drones hit a gas terminal near St. Petersburg that lies over 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) north of the border.

A popular pro-Kremlin Telegram channel, thought to be run by a retired Russian army pilot, claimed that three Ukrainian drones struck the Akhtubinsk airstrip on Saturday and that flying shrapnel damaged the jet.

“It is now being determined whether it can be restored or not. If not, it would be the first combat loss of a Su-57 in history,” the Fighterbomber channel reported.

A military correspondent for Russia's state-run RIA news agency, Aleksandr Kharchenko, in a Telegram post Sunday denounced Moscow's failure to build hangars to protect its aircraft. But the post stopped short of directly acknowledging the strike.

In this photo taken on Friday, April 26, 2024 and released by the Russian Defense Ministry Press Service, a Russian soldier stands by a 2A65 "Msta-B" howitzer at a position in an undisclosed location in Ukraine. Credit: AP

Russia's so-called “military bloggers” like Fighterbomber are often seen as sources of information on military losses in the absence of an official Kremlin comment. Russia's Defense Ministry or senior political figures did not comment Sunday.

The ministry on Saturday claimed its forces downed three Ukrainian drones in the Astrakhan region, home to the Akhtubinsk airstrip. Igor Babushkin, the governor of Astrakhan, that same day reported that Ukraine attempted to strike an unspecified facility there, but claimed the attack was unsuccessful.

Russia's Su-57 fleet has been largely absent from the skies over Ukraine, and has instead been used to fire long-range missiles across the border. The U.K. Ministry of Defence said in an intelligence briefing last year that Russia is likely trying to avoid “reputational damage, reduced export prospects, and the compromise of sensitive technology" that would come from losing any Su-57 jets in enemy territory.

Elsewhere, Ukrainian forces kept up drone attacks on Russia's southern border regions, according to local Russian officials.

Three drones hit Belgorod province late on Saturday, damaging a power line and blowing out windows but causing no casualties, said Gov. Vyacheslav Gladkov. Another five drones and a Ukrainian-made missile were brought down over the region on Sunday, the Russian Defense Ministry said.

According to an update by Pepel (Ashes), a channel run by Belgorod journalists now based outside Russia, Ukrainian drones on Sunday afternoon struck an ammunition depot outside the town of Rakitnoye, some 35 kilometres (22 miles) from Ukraine. Footage circulating on social media showed thick plumes of smoke rising into the sky. In one video, a woman’s voice is heard, saying “I wonder if soldiers lived there?”

Gladkov, the governor, did not directly comment on those claims, but confirmed that a blaze had broken out in a “non-residential building” near Rakitnoye. He said no one was hurt.

Across Ukraine’s front-line provinces, Russian shelling killed at least three civilians and wounded at least nine others on Saturday and overnight, according to reports by regional officials.

A man died and two women suffered wounds in the village of Khotimlya, east of Kharkiv, Gov. Oleh Syniehubov said. Shelling also damaged the local school, a council building, a shop and private homes, Syniehubov said.

Heavy battles continued in the area as Ukrainian troops try to beat back Russia's invading forces after a weekslong push by Moscow that sparked fears for Kharkiv, located just 20 kilometers (12 miles) from the Russian border, and a wave of civilian evacuations.

Russia’s coordinated new offensive has centered on the Kharkiv region, but seems to include testing Ukrainian defenses in Donetsk farther south, while also launching incursions in the northern Sumy and Chernihiv regions.

The easing of restrictions on the use of Western weapons will help Ukraine protect Kharkiv by targeting Russian capabilities across the border, according to Ukrainian and Western officials. It is unclear what other impact it may have on the direction of the war, in what is proving to be a critical period.

The move drew a furious response from Moscow, and warnings it could embroil NATO in a war with Russia. But Jake Sullivan, Biden's national security adviser, described it as “common sense.”

“What was happening up around Kharkiv ... was a Russian offensive where they were moving from one side of the border directly to the other side of the border, and it simply didn’t make sense not to allow the Ukrainians to fire across that border, to hit Russian guns and emplacements that were firing at (them),” Sullivan said Sunday in an interview with CBS's “Face the Nation.”

Kozlowska reported from London.

Racehorses at Belmont are dying at higher rates Thoroughbreds have died at Belmont Park at higher rates than at other tracks, despite officials' efforts to reduce horse racing deaths.

Get more on these and other NewsdayTV stories

Most Popular

Latest videos.

Unlimited Digital Access Only 25¢ for 5 months