Russian President Vladimir Putin has accused some European leaders of preparing for war with Russia, while insisting that Moscow has no plans to attack Europe and remains open to restoring relations with its neighbours.
Speaking at Russia’s Military-Industrial Commission, Putin said European politicians were using the conflict in Ukraine and fears about Russia to justify their policies. He also accused some leaders of using the threat of war to improve their political standing amid economic and social problems.
His comments come as European governments continue to strengthen their defences and warn about the risk of Russian military and hybrid activity.
Putin Says Russia Wants Cooperation
Putin presented his message as an argument for renewed dialogue rather than confrontation.
He said Russia has no aggressive intentions toward European countries and is ready to restore relations and cooperate with its European neighbours. He also criticised European military exercises in the Baltic region, claiming they included preparations to seize civilian vessels.
The comments are significant because they come after years of deteriorating Russia European relations following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Moscow’s position, however, is being viewed alongside its continuing military campaign in Ukraine and its wider defence preparations.
Military Spending Tells a Different Story
At the same meeting, Putin discussed the need to strengthen Russia’s military capabilities.
He highlighted the country’s nuclear triad and improvements to air and missile defence, while Russia continues to develop drones and precision weapons. Reuters also reported that Putin said Moscow needed stronger anti-missile capabilities as Ukraine’s drone warfare has expanded.
This creates the central tension in the latest Russia-NATO tensions. Putin says Moscow does not want a war with Europe, but Russia is simultaneously investing heavily in military capabilities that could support a long-term confrontation.
European governments have also been increasing defence preparations. Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk recently warned that Russia could use drones or other projectiles against NATO territory as part of hybrid attacks designed to test the alliance’s response.
Ukraine Remains at the Centre
Putin also used his address to attack Ukraine’s leadership, accusing Kyiv of blocking peace efforts and describing its government as corrupt and undemocratic.
Ukraine rejects Moscow’s framing of the conflict and says elections cannot be held while martial law remains in place because of Russia’s invasion. Russia has continued to pursue its military objectives even as diplomatic efforts involving Washington have attempted to move the conflict toward negotiations.
For Europe, the immediate challenge is therefore not simply deciding whether Putin’s latest comments are a diplomatic opening. Governments will have to judge them against Russia’s military actions, defence spending and the continuing war in Ukraine.
For now, the result is an uneasy combination of calls for cooperation and preparations for a longer security confrontation.
