SAINT PETERSBURG, Russia: Russia is not preparing for “any kind” of conflict with Europe, President Vladimir Putin said Friday, dismissing warnings from some European NATO members about a potential Russian attack on the alliance’s territory.
President Putin said that Russia had “no real motive” to escalate tensions and criticised European countries that have suggested otherwise.
“Many in Europe talk about expecting an attack from Russia and therefore believe they must themselves prepare for hostilities, for a war with Russia,” Putin told reporters in Saint Petersburg.
“I want to emphasise once again: we are not preparing for any kind of hostilities with Europe,” he added.
Several of Ukraine’s European allies have expressed concern about the potential for Russian attacks on their soil, as the Ukraine war grinds through its fifth year.
Earlier this month, Germany accused Moscow of planning a drone attack at Leipzig airport in August, while Poland has warned Russia could fire drones and missiles and countries supporting Ukraine.
Putin added that Russia was considering its stance on whether to resume peace talks with Ukraine following recent Ukrainian attacks on Russia.
“On proposals to resume negotiations, yes, they are all on the table, and it is all possible — but after everything they’ve done, we will give careful thought to what steps we need to take in response,” Putin said.
Meanwhile, Russian strikes on Kyiv during the day killed seven people on Friday, local authorities said.
Volodymyr Zelensky has made repeated calls on Ukraine’s Western allies for better air-defence weaponry to combat the barrage of drone and missile strikes.
“The death toll in the capital has risen to seven people,” Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said. “So far, 46 residents of Kyiv have been injured.”
Meanwhile, in Russia’s Belgorod region, a Ukrainian drone strike on a car killed a married couple, local authorities said.
Peace talks in the four-and-a-half year conflict remain largely deadlocked.
In comments to reporters on Friday, Putin expressed uncertainty about the idea of resuming direct negotiations with Kyiv, citing a spate of recent Ukrainian strikes on Russia.
“After everything they’ve done, we will give careful thought to what steps we need to take in response,” he said.
