Putin Dismisses Western Fears of Russian Attack on NATO, Accuses West of “Whipping Up Hysteria”
SOCHI, Russia – Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered a pointed message to NATO countries during a speech in Sochi, asserting that claims of a looming Russian attack on the alliance are “nonsense” and either the result of incompetence or dishonesty. Reuters reported on the remarks.
Putin accused the ”ruling elite in united Europe” of deliberately stoking fears of a conflict with Russia. “It turns out that a war with the Russians is practically at the door,” he stated, dismissing the notion as improbable. “They repeat this nonsense, this mantra, over and over again. They can’t believe what they say that Russia will attack NATO.”
He characterized Russia’s military actions as a defensive response to external pressures,stating,”We simply cannot turn a blind eye to what is happening. We are not entitled to do so for reasons for our own safety. I repeat, our defense and our security.”
Addressing relations with the United States, Putin acknowledged differing national interests.”We see that the current US governance is primarily governed by their own interests, as they understand them. I think this is a rational approach,” he said. “But on the other hand, if you apologize for me, Russia also reserves the right to be guided by its national interests.” He further noted that disagreements between the two powers are “normal for such great powers,” emphasizing the importance of resolving these differences “peacefully.”
The speech followed a press conference held by Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Danish Prime Minister Mette frederiksen at the EU summit in Copenhagen.
