Russian President Vladimir Putin has labeled the idea of Russia initiating a conflict with Nato countries in Eastern Europe as baseless. During a visit to the Torzhok Air Base in the Tver Region, he responded to Western assertions that Moscow’s ambitions would extend beyond Ukraine if successful on the battlefield.
“This is just nonsense,” Putin said, highlighting the significant difference in military spending between Russia and Nato forces.He dismissed the notion that Russia has plans to target Europe post-Ukraine: “The claims that we are going to attack Europe after Ukraine – it is utter nonsense and intimidation of their own population just to beat the money out of them,” he elaborated.
As per a Russia Today report, Putin assured that Eastern European nations, often referred to as US “satellites,” have no cause for alarm regarding a potential Russian incursion. He argued that the fearmongering by some governments about a Russian threat to countries like Poland, the Czech Republic, or the Baltic states is merely a tactic to justify defense spending. “To extract additional expenses from people, to make them bear this burden on their shoulders,” Putin described the strategy.
Nato’s expansion towards Russia
Contrary to accusations of Russian aggression, Putin pointed out that it is Nato that has been moving closer to Russia’s borders, not the reverse. He emphasized Russia’s stance is defensive, aimed at “protecting our people on our historical territories.”
“They came right up to our borders… Did we go across the ocean to the borders of the United States? No, they are approaching us, and they have come very close,” Putin remarked, asserting that Russia’s actions are a response to Nato’s eastward expansion.
The Torzhok base, known for housing the 344th Training Center for Russian combat pilots, plays a critical role in preparing personnel for participation in the conflict in Ukraine. Putin’s comments come at a time of heightened tensions between Russia and Nato, with both sides accusing each other of provocative actions.
“This is just nonsense,” Putin said, highlighting the significant difference in military spending between Russia and Nato forces.He dismissed the notion that Russia has plans to target Europe post-Ukraine: “The claims that we are going to attack Europe after Ukraine – it is utter nonsense and intimidation of their own population just to beat the money out of them,” he elaborated.
As per a Russia Today report, Putin assured that Eastern European nations, often referred to as US “satellites,” have no cause for alarm regarding a potential Russian incursion. He argued that the fearmongering by some governments about a Russian threat to countries like Poland, the Czech Republic, or the Baltic states is merely a tactic to justify defense spending. “To extract additional expenses from people, to make them bear this burden on their shoulders,” Putin described the strategy.
Nato’s expansion towards Russia
Contrary to accusations of Russian aggression, Putin pointed out that it is Nato that has been moving closer to Russia’s borders, not the reverse. He emphasized Russia’s stance is defensive, aimed at “protecting our people on our historical territories.”
“They came right up to our borders… Did we go across the ocean to the borders of the United States? No, they are approaching us, and they have come very close,” Putin remarked, asserting that Russia’s actions are a response to Nato’s eastward expansion.
The Torzhok base, known for housing the 344th Training Center for Russian combat pilots, plays a critical role in preparing personnel for participation in the conflict in Ukraine. Putin’s comments come at a time of heightened tensions between Russia and Nato, with both sides accusing each other of provocative actions.