Russia’s Putin Dismisses NATO ‘Hysteria’, Promises Strong Response to Europe’s Militarisation

Russian President Vladimir Putin has brushed aside claims that Moscow is preparing to attack NATO, calling them “nonsense” and accusing European leaders of stoking fear to justify military build-ups.

“They can’t believe what they’re saying, that Russia is going to attack NATO,” Putin told a foreign policy forum in Sochi on Thursday. “They’re either incredibly incompetent if they truly believe it because it’s impossible to believe this nonsense, or they’re simply dishonest.”

Putin said Moscow is carefully monitoring Europe’s military expansion, especially Germany’s stated ambition to have the continent’s strongest army.

“Very well. We hear that and are watching to see what is meant by it,” he remarked, adding that Russia will not display weakness. “We simply cannot ignore what is happening.”

He accused Europe of using “hysteria” as cover for higher defence budgets:

“Just calm down.”

Relations between Russia and the EU have steadily worsened since 2022, with European countries boosting defence spending and warning of cross-border risks. Moscow, however, insists it poses no threat and has dismissed accusations of deliberate incursions into NATO airspace.

Putin also pointed to what he described as NATO’s direct involvement in Ukraine through intelligence-sharing and arms supplies:

“All NATO countries are fighting us, and they’re no longer hiding it. They’re actually taking part in combat operations.”

The Russian leader praised his recent talks with US President Donald Trump in Alaska, where they discussed possible paths toward ending the conflict and rebuilding ties.

“Trump is a person who can listen,” Putin said.

On Ukraine’s strikes near the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, Putin warned Kyiv was taking dangerous risks by targeting such sites.

“They still have functional nuclear power plants on their side. What prevents us from responding in kind? Let them think about this,” he cautioned.

He described as “idiotic” the accusations that Russia would shell a nuclear facility it controls, adding the situation was “under control.”