## putin Claims Russian Drones Can’t Reach Lisbon, Criticizes western “Hysteria”
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated during a speech at the Valdai Group Forum on Thursday that Russia does not possess drones capable of reaching Lisbon, adding that targeting the city is unnecessary as “there are no targets there.”
Putin addressed recent incidents involving drones in European airspace, including those that prompted airport closures in denmark, and assured that russia “won’t do that anymore.” He characterized the Western reaction to these events as ”hysteria,” accusing Western leaders of using the incidents to divert attention from domestic issues.CNN Portugal reported earlier this week that Lisbon is the only European capital outside the range of Russia’s new drones.
Earlier in his speech, Putin mocked European Union leaders, suggesting they should shift their focus from perceived Russian threats to addressing problems within their own countries. “Honestly, I feel like saying, calm down, sleep in peace, finally deal with your own problems,” he said.
The Russian President also criticized Sweden and Finland’s decision to join NATO, labeling it “stupid” and arguing it resulted in the loss of strategic advantages afforded by their previous neutral status. He further questioned the strength of NATO, referencing comments made a week prior by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who described Russia as a “paper tiger.” putin rhetorically asked, “If we are at war with the whole block of NATO and we are moving forward, moving, with confidence, we will be just a paper tiger? What is the NATO? What does it really represent?”
Despite reports emerging from within Russia detailing fuel supply disruptions due to Ukrainian attacks and impending tax increases, Putin asserted that the country has passed “the worst economic phase.”
