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President Vladimir Putin accused NATO of preparing for war against Russia. In a speech at the Kremlin to graduating military officers and security officials, Putin said that Western countries have so far mainly supported Ukraine, but that there is now open talk of a conflict with Russia. According to him, NATO and EU member states are increasing their military spending and focusing on greater offensive capabilities.
Putin argued that this militarization is justified by “false claims” about an alleged Russian threat. He emphasized that nearly 40 percent of the Russian budget is now allocated to defense, armaments, and security, and presented this as a necessary investment in national security. At the same time, he called for a multipolar world order in which the military security of all states is guaranteed. Putin added that Russia will respond “operationally and appropriately” to all external and internal threats.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov made similar statements earlier in the day and sharply criticized the West. Lavrov said that the United States is abandoning its role as an impartial mediator and that Europe poses the greatest threat to global security, according to Russian media reports. He called for the West to no longer be taken seriously.
Putin’s remarks come amid a conflict that has been ongoing for more than four years. Russia is waging a large-scale war in Ukraine, and Western countries are providing military and economic support to Kyiv. In his speech, Putin called Ukraine’s attacks on Russian infrastructure an attempt to destabilize Moscow and referred to recent attacks on Crimea and targets in Moscow, including a refinery and temporary airport closures.
©picture alliance / newscom | Kremlin - illustrative photo