Putin warns Europe fuelling war hysteria, thanks Brics nations, allies for backing peace efforts on Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday lashed out at European leaders, accusing them of “fuelling war hysteria” and manufacturing threats of a Russian attack on Nato. He insisted that Moscow has no intention of waging war against the alliance, calling such claims “plucked out of thin air.”

“It’s impossible to believe that Russia will attack Nato,” Putin said, adding that Russia had twice sought to join the military alliance but was refused. “Our history has proven, weakness is unacceptable. If someone seeks to compete in the military sphere, Russia has proved more than once that we respond fast. Russia’s response will be convincing,” he warned.

Turning to Ukraine, the Russian leader described the conflict as “a tragedy for Ukrainians and for all of us” and argued it could have been avoided. “The conflict in Ukraine could have been avoided if Trump had been president,” Putin claimed, while also noting that some of the US president’s initiatives on the Middle East offered “a light at the end of the tunnel.”

Putin expressed gratitude to Brics nations and other allies for supporting Moscow’s calls for peace, while dismissing Europe’s “ruling elites” for “whipping up hysteria” over Russia’s intentions. “There is no and will be no power in the world that will dictate to everyone what to do. Every power has its limit,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Kremlin confirmed that Putin will travel to India in December for the annual summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the first such visit since 2021. “Yes, we have finalised the timeframe for the President’s India visit. It would take place before the New Year sets in. Preparations are in full swing,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

India and Russia hold annual summits alternately in each country, with leaders reviewing the full spectrum of bilateral ties. Last year, Modi travelled to Moscow for the 22nd edition of the summit. Putin’s upcoming visit will mark the 23rd in the series.

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