Russian President Vladimir Putin criticized European leaders on Thursday, accusing them of fueling “war hysteria” and creating unfounded fears of a Russian invasion of NATO. Putin dismissed the notion of Russia attacking the alliance as baseless and vowed a strong response to any provocation.
Putin emphasized that Russia had previously expressed interest in joining NATO twice but was rejected. He warned against underestimating Russia’s military capabilities and stated that any attempts to challenge them would be met with a swift and forceful response.
The Russian president expressed concerns about the growing militarization of Europe, particularly referencing Germany’s plans to strengthen its military. He cautioned that Russia was closely monitoring these developments and would respond assertively to any perceived threats.
Regarding the conflict in Ukraine, Putin described it as a tragedy that could have been prevented if certain conditions were met. He also criticized Western elites for portraying Russia as a perpetual enemy to divert attention from their domestic issues.
Putin denounced proponents of the liberal world order, labeling them as “weirdos” and accusing Western democracies of manipulating their populations. Despite his strong rhetoric, he expressed gratitude to Brics nations and allies for supporting Russia’s pursuit of peace.
In other news, the Kremlin confirmed Putin’s upcoming visit to India in December for the annual summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This visit, the first since 2021, aims to strengthen bilateral ties between the two countries, with both leaders expected to discuss various issues of mutual interest.