After warnings of a "potential Russian attack," Putin: We are not preparing for war with Europe - Sarmad

Russian President Vladimir Putin warned Ukraine against continuing attacks on Russian infrastructure, stressing that escalating the situation would worsen the circumstances for Kyiv. He affirmed that Moscow is not preparing for any hostile actions against Europe, following European warnings of a potential Russian attack on a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member state.

Putin added, in remarks to journalists during the St. Petersburg International Cultural Forum, that Russia has begun responding to every measure taken by Ukraine, including attempts to impose a naval blockade and launch attacks on warehouses.

He continued: “They tried to impose a naval blockade on our Black Sea coast and damaged more than 100 ships and naval vessels, whether Russian or sailing under foreign flags. Yes, we have repaired them all.”

The Russian president emphasized that Moscow is not preparing for any military operations against Europe, adding: “Everyone, and many in Europe, expect an attack from Russia and believe they must prepare for military action, for a war with Russia. I would like to reaffirm that we are not preparing for any military action against Europe, and we have no such plans. More importantly, there are no reasons for it.”