Vladimir Putin has addressed claims regarding Russia’s supposed intentions to attack Europe amid growing concerns of a potential World War 3.
Global tensions have been rising, with conflicts flaring up in the Middle East between Iran and Israel, Russia’s ongoing presence in Ukraine, and the challenges faced by President Donald Trump in de-escalating these issues.
Despite a recent meeting between Putin and Trump, any form of ceasefire remains unlikely. The US President’s relationship with Moscow is strained, highlighted by an online exchange with Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of the Russian Federation’s Security Council, which led to the deployment of US nuclear submarines.
Currently, Putin is attending a military parade in Beijing, China, where he received a cordial reception from President XI Jinping, who called him an ‘old friend’—a sentiment not likely extended to Trump due to ongoing trade disputes and tariff policies.
Putin lauded the current relationship with China, describing their bond as at an ‘unprecedentedly high level.’
This has led to concern among European nations over a potential Russian assault on the continent.
France has advised its hospitals to prepare for a possible ‘major’ conflict by March 2026, while Germany is on high alert following recent military exercises.
However, Putin dismissed these worries, telling the Slovakian prime minister, Robert Fico, that reports of a Russian attack on Europe are driven by ‘provocation or incompetence.’
The Russian leader called the notion of plans to penetrate deeper into Europe and target NATO as ‘absolute nonsense,’ criticizing the EU’s reaction as ‘hysteria’ fueled by ‘horror stories.’
“As for ‘Russia’s aggressive plans with respect to Europe’, I want to emphasise once again that this is complete nonsense, which has absolutely no basis,” he said.
“Any sensible person realises that Russia has never had, does not have, and will not have the desire to attack anyone.”
This reassurance follows reports from France anticipating an influx of injured soldiers from across Europe.
Carsten Breuer, Germany’s chief of defense, stated that NATO and his country’s forces remain vigilant.
Though Breuer does not foresee Putin attacking NATO territory, he mentioned that with Russia’s military base in Belarus, Germany would remain ‘on… guard.’
Putin also commented on Ukraine’s potential European Union membership, indicating he has ‘never objected to this.’
He further noted: “As for NATO, this is another issue.”