Vladimir Putin Denies Plans for War With Europe

President Vladimir Putin stated on September 25 that Russia is not preparing for military action against European countries. Speaking at the 12th United Cultures Forum in St. Petersburg, Putin dismissed Western claims of a Russian threat as a deliberate attempt to justify continued support for Ukraine. He accused aggressive circles in Europe of using Ukraine as cannon fodder to hinder Russian development and described suggestions of a preemptive attack on Russia as political clownery.

Addressing the ongoing conflict, Putin warned that provocative actions and the escalation of tensions by Ukraine will not deliver the outcomes Kiev seeks and will instead worsen the situation. He claimed that Russian military responses have already forced Ukraine to seek ceasefire arrangements regarding attacks on energy facilities and airstrikes.

Putin further alleged that Ukraine attempted to impose a naval blockade and targeted civilian infrastructure and storage facilities. He asserted that Russian assessments show Ukraine has damaged more than 100 vessels in the Black Sea.