Vladimir Putin has dismissed growing concerns that Moscow is planning to attack other European nations.
The 72-year-old Russian leader is currently in Beijing, China, ahead of a landmark military parade to discuss his country's broader geopolitical goals and its stance on Ukraine.
He also spoke with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, and addressed rising fears in the West about Russia’s intentions beyond Ukraine.
In his comments, Putin dismissed growing claims that Moscow is planning to attack other European nations, describing such accusations as either “provocations or incompetence," Sky News reported.
The Russian leader has insisted that his country's actions were focused solely on protecting its national interests and that they have no desire to engage in conflict with other countries.
“Any sensible person realizes that Russia has never had, does not have, and will not have the desire to attack anyone,” he stated.
He further emphasized that while Moscow has never opposed Ukraine’s potential membership in the European Union, however, its opposition to Ukraine joining NATO remains firm - claiming NATO’s expansion into the post-Soviet space posed a direct threat to Russia’s security.
The comments come amid rising tensions over Russia's continued military operations in Ukraine, which have led to widespread destruction since the invasion began in February 2022.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent recently criticized Putin for escalating his bombing campaign despite earlier promises made during a meeting with President Donald Trump in Alaska.
Bessent described Putin’s actions as “despicable” and noted that the US is considering new sanctions against Russia in response to the increased violence, particularly following a deadly bombing last week that killed at least 25 people and injured 63, including 11 children, per The Independent.
Putin’s statements in Beijing follow his earlier demands for a resolution to the conflict with Ukraine.
According to sources, Russia has issued three primary conditions for peace: Ukraine must abandon its pursuit of NATO membership, Western troops must leave Russian soil, and Ukrainian forces must withdraw from the Donbas region, which Russia controls. These conditions mark a continuation of Moscow’s hardline stance on the war.
Despite the president's demands, Ukraine remains unwilling to concede any territory, particularly Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014.
President Trump suggested that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy could end the war “almost immediately” by agreeing to territorial concessions, though this proposal has been met with resistance from Ukrainian leadership.
Meanwhile, NATO continues to express strong support for Ukraine, with defense chiefs reaffirming their commitment to the country’s sovereignty.