Putin Vows "Significant" Response to Europe's Militarization Amid Rising Tensions
Russian President Vladimir Putin has promised a "significant" response to what he perceives as Europe's militarization. Speaking at a foreign policy forum in southern Russia on Thursday, Putin addressed escalating tensions between Russia and the European Union following Moscow's military actions in Ukraine, which have prompted the EU to bolster its defense capabilities.
Rising Tensions and Accusations
Putin stated that Russia is closely monitoring the increasing militarization of Europe and that any retaliatory measures from Russia will be significant and swift. He emphasized that Russia will not display weakness or indecisiveness. The backdrop to these statements includes recent drone incidents in Denmark and aerial incursions from Moscow in Estonia and Poland, fueling fears that the Russia-Ukraine war could extend beyond Ukraine's borders.
Putin accused Europe of stoking "hysteria" to justify increased military spending, asserting that Russia poses no threat. He claimed that Russia is, in fact, fighting the NATO alliance in Ukraine. He also referenced a comment by former US President Donald Trump about Russia being a "paper tiger", questioning NATO's strength given Russia's perceived progress in the conflict.
Concerns Over Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant and US Missiles
The Russian leader also blamed Kyiv for strikes around the occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, warning that Moscow may respond in kind. The plant, Europe's largest atomic energy facility, experienced a power outage over a week ago, the longest to date, leading to mutual accusations between Russia and Ukraine regarding attacks on the power grid servicing the facility.
Commenting on potential supplies of US long-range Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine, Putin warned that this would further damage already strained relations between Moscow and Washington. US Vice President JD Vance stated that Washington is considering providing these missiles to Kyiv, a request previously denied by Trump. Putin described such a move as "a whole new level of escalation, including in relations between Russia and the United States."
