Video: Russia ready for peace but will respond if needed, Putin warns European leaders
Russian President, Vladimir Putin
Abdullateef Fowewe
Russian President, Vladimir Putin has accused some European leaders of openly preparing for war with Russia and claimed they were doing so to salvage declining approval ratings by masking domestic economic and social policy failures.
Speaking at a meeting of the Military-Industrial Commission focused on a new state armament program, Putin said external threats to Russia had not diminished.
“NATO is swelling and expanding, entering other regions of the world. Some European leaders openly declare that they are preparing for war with Russia. In my opinion, they are simply trying to save their falling ratings by covering up mistakes in economic and social policy,” he stated.
He insisted Russia harbours no aggressive intentions toward Europe.
“I want to state once again: Russia has no aggressive intentions toward Europe or European countries. There are simply no grounds for this whatsoever. We are ready for cooperation and for restoring relations with our European neighbours.”
At the same time, Putin issued a clear warning, “I just want to tell them, let’s live in peace, otherwise we too will have to answer. This should be an obvious commonplace for everyone.”
He also criticised certain European military exercises in the Baltic Sea, alleging they included preparations to seize civilian vessels.
The remarks came as several European NATO members have heightened public warnings about Russian hybrid threats, potential sabotage, and the need to prepare for possible escalation, while increasing defence spending and contingency planning.
Putin outlined priorities for Russia’s new armament program, including strengthening the nuclear triad (with 92 per cent of strategic missile forces already modernised), air defence systems, unmanned platforms, and precision weapons.
