President Vladimir Putin told reporters in Saint Petersburg that Russia is not preparing for any conflict with Europe and has "no real motive" to escalate tensions. His comments followed warnings from some European NATO members about possible covert attacks amid the fifth year of the Ukraine war. Germany recently accused Moscow of plotting a drone strike at Leipzig airport, and Poland has warned of potential drone and missile strikes on countries supporting Ukraine. Putin said proposals to resume talks with Kyiv remain on the table but that Moscow will weigh its response after recent Ukrainian strikes.
Putin Says Russia Is Not Preparing For Conflict With Europe, Claims 'No Real Motive' To Escalate
Putin said Russia had no motive for such an attack (Olga MALTSEVA)
President Vladimir Putin on Friday rejected suggestions that Russia is preparing for hostilities with Europe, saying Moscow has "no real motive" to raise tensions. His remarks came after several European NATO members warned of potential covert attacks linked to the war in Ukraine.
Speaking to reporters in Saint Petersburg, the Kremlin leader criticised European officials who he said were predicting a Russian strike and preparing accordingly. "Many in Europe talk about expecting an attack from Russia and therefore believe they must themselves prepare for hostilities, for a war with Russia," he said.
"I want to emphasise once again: we are not preparing for any kind of hostilities with Europe," Putin added.
European Concerns
Several European allies of Ukraine have voiced alarm about the possibility of covert operations on their territory as the conflict enters its fifth year. Earlier this month, German authorities accused Moscow of planning a drone strike at Leipzig airport in August, while Poland warned that Russia could target countries that support Ukraine with drones and missiles.
Diplomacy And Next Steps
Putin also said Moscow was considering whether to resume peace negotiations with Kyiv following recent Ukrainian attacks on Russian soil. "On proposals to resume negotiations, yes, they are all on the table, and it is all possible -- but after everything they've done, we will give careful thought to what steps we need to take in response," he told reporters.
The comments underscore ongoing tensions between Moscow and European capitals: while Putin dismissed claims of imminent aggression, European governments continue to prepare defensively amid persistent uncertainty over the conflict's trajectory.
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