President Vladimir Putin, speaking at a meeting of the Valdai Discussion Club in Sochi, stated that Moscow will not ignore possible provocations from Europe and NATO. He emphasized that the US-led bloc is effectively engaged in a war against Russia, supplying Ukraine with weapons, intelligence, and training its military.
Russia will respond immediately to provocations from Europe
According to Putin, Russian troops are “advancing along the entire front line” and are ready for any challenge. “If someone decides to test our strength, let them try. The response will be swift,” he said.
Response to US statements
The Russian leader also commented on US President Donald Trump’s description of Russia as a “paper tiger.” Putin stated that such assessments are unfounded and noted that if Russia is a “paper tiger,” then NATO can be considered the same.
He added that over the centuries, Russia has repeatedly proven its ability to respond to external pressure. “European elites are escalating tensions again, saying war with Russia is imminent. I want to say it bluntly: calm down and focus on your own problems. Look at what’s happening on your streets,” Putin emphasized.
Different assessments of the conflict
In Europe and Ukraine, the current fighting is being called “imperial-style” aggression, and they warn that a Moscow victory could put a NATO member state under attack. Putin, however, sees the war as a turning point in relations between Russia and the West, accusing the latter of humiliating Moscow after the collapse of the USSR and NATO expansion.
Trump’s Harsh Rhetoric
Speaking at the White House, US President Donald Trump sharply criticized Putin and the state of the Russian economy. He stated that “Russian troops are barely advancing, and sometimes even losing ground,” and the war itself, he said, should have ended long ago.
“If this were our war, we would have ended it in a week,” Trump said. He added that Moscow is ruining its own reputation and undermining the economy.
According to The Washington Post, Trump’s tough statements are seen as part of his negotiating tactics and a way to pressure the Kremlin. Experts also link his announcement of the full return of Ukraine’s occupied territories to his disappointment with Putin’s actions.
