Putin claims Russia will respond swiftly to European militarisation

Russian leader Vladimir Putin has claimed that Russia is closely monitoring the "militarisation of Europe" and that Moscow will take "appropriate measures" without delay if it perceives a threat.

Source: Putin's speech at the Valdai Club meeting

Details: During his address, Putin stated: "We are closely watching the growing militarisation of Europe. Either these are just words, or it's time for us to take appropriate measures".

He specifically mentioned Germany, saying it "wants the German army to once again become the most powerful in Europe". According to Putin, Russia is observing what is meant by such statements.

Putin added: "I think no one doubts that Russia's response will not be long in coming".

He claimed that any Russian response to a perceived threat would be "very convincing", while cynically asserting that Russia "has never initiated military confrontation".

Putin dismissed statements from European politicians warning of a potential Russian attack on NATO countries as "nonsense" and "hysteria". He added: "I want to say: calm down, sleep well, and finally deal with your own problems".

He also claimed that Europe is responsible for the continuation of the war in Ukraine, which he referred to as a "conflict", adding that the "root cause" of the war in Ukraine and other global crises lies in the West's post-Cold War policies.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!