At a Defence Ministry meeting, Vladimir Putin dismissed Western warnings of a possible full-scale war as "hysteria" and called claims that Russia seeks conflict "a lie." He accused NATO of supporting Ukraine and said Russian forces are boosting capabilities in response. Putin warned Russia would "liberate its land by military means" if talks fail and reaffirmed that the goals of Moscow's "special military operation" will be achieved.
Putin Dismisses Western Warnings as "Hysteria" — Warns Russia May Seize Claimed Ukrainian Territories If Talks Fail
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday rejected Western warnings of a potential large-scale war with Moscow, calling such concerns "hysteria" while also warning that Russia could use military force to take territories it claims in Ukraine if diplomatic talks collapse.
Speaking at a meeting of the Russian Defence Ministry, Putin described assertions that Moscow poses a threat as "a lie" and said the "degree of hysteria is increasing" in the West, where he claimed there have been calls to prepare for large-scale conflict.
Despite his confrontational language, Putin stated that Russia seeks "mutual cooperation" with the United States and European nations. He accused NATO of supporting Kyiv and said Russian forces are strengthening their capabilities in response.
"We will liberate our land by military means" — Putin warned that if Kyiv and, as he put it, "its masters" abandon dialogue, Russia would resort to force to secure territories Moscow claims inside Ukraine.
Putin also reiterated confidence that the objectives of what Moscow calls its "special military operation" in Ukraine "will be reached." The remarks underline Moscow's stance that it remains prepared to pursue its goals by force if negotiations do not produce a settlement acceptable to Russia.
What This Means
The comments are likely to heighten tensions with Western capitals and NATO, which Russia accuses of backing Ukraine. Observers say the mix of diplomatic language and explicit military threats reflects a strategy of combining diplomatic openness with a readiness to use force if Russia's demands are not met.
