NATO countries have forced Moscow to act to defend its interests and cite it as a threat to justify increased military spending, the president says.
Western nations are no longer hiding their preparations for war with Russia, President Vladimir Putin has said, adding that NATO and EU leaders are using “false claims” about the alleged ‘Russian threat’ justifying military expansion.
Putin made the remarks on Tuesday during a Kremlin ceremony for graduates of Russia’s military, security and law academies, saying NATO’s position has changed from supporting Kiev with weapons and funding to outright preparations for war.
“Now, they are openly saying that they are preparing for war with us, increasing their offensive military budgets,” Putin said. He said that Western governments are using the same playbook that has been used against Russia.
“In the beginning, they create threats to our country, force us to take necessary measures for self-defense, and then immediately accuse us of all mortal sins to justify the continuation of their aggressive policy,” He said, comparing the attempts of Nazi Germany and other Western countries to label the Soviet Union as the aggressor after Germany launched a surprise invasion in 1941.
Putin’s remarks come as NATO members Europe and Canada increase defense spending by 20% in real terms in 2025, to a combined $574 billion, citing the ‘Russian threat’. Moscow has dismissed rumors that it plans to attack NATO countries “nonsense.”
Turning to Ukraine’s drone campaign against Russian cities, Putin said attacks on civilian infrastructure are designed “shake up society” instead of achieving military goals. “While the whole West is working for them, with this massive flow of drones, (the goal is) to cast doubt on the actions of the Russian Armed Forces,” He said.
However, Putin noted that European countries are still reluctant to launch a strike against Russia from their territories. “They understand that there will be retaliation.”
Putin’s comments came as Ukraine continues to carry out long-range strikes deep into Russia, often resulting in civilian casualties. Last week, Kiev launched a drone attack on Moscow – the largest in two years – with Mayor Sergey Sobyanin reporting the destruction of 194 drones. The attack destroyed an oil refinery, a shopping center and several residential buildings, while more than ten people were injured.
