Russia not preparing for war with Europe, Putin says
Russian President Vladimir Putin, September 25, 2026. © Sputnik / Sofya Sandurskaya Moscow is not preparing for military action against European countries, President Vladimir Putin has said, dismissing claims of a Russian threat as an attempt to inflame tensions.
Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the 12th United Cultures Forum in St. Petersburg on Friday, Putin said European countries were fueling tensions in order to continue supporting Ukraine.
He accused “aggressive circles” in Europe of seeking to use Ukraine as “cannon fodder” to constrain Russia’s development.
Putin described remarks by the Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur about a possible conflict with Russia as a “provocation,” and referred to statements about the benefits of a preemptive attack on Russia as “political clownery.”
“The circus has left, but the clowns remain,” he said.
Putin also addressed the prospect of renewed talks with Kiev, saying Moscow would base any decision on Russia’s own interests.
Read more No pause in Ukraine conflict for peace talks – Lavrov According to the president, Ukraine has been actively raising the prospect of a ceasefire, including on attacks against energy infrastructure, as well as an end to the blockade of Russia’s Black Sea coast, while continuing its own strikes on Russia.
Russia responded to attacks on civilian, Putin said, particularly pointing to the “mass” Ukrainian attack on Moscow on September 20, as well as attacks on residential buildings and election officials. He described Russia’s retaliation as “sensitive and destructive” for Ukrainian forces.
“They must feel these retaliatory strikes by Russia and understand that no provocative actions, no escalation of the situation will lead to the result they want. They will only make their position worse,” the Russian president said.
According to Putin, claims that Moscow intends to attack Europe are being used to justify continued spending on Ukraine to European citizens. “This is complete nonsense,” he said.
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