Putin Warns Europe Amid NATO Tensions at Sochi Forum

Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed the Valdai Discussion Club in Sochi, warning that Russia will respond swiftly and significantly to what he described as the militarisation of Europe, dismissing Western hysteria about a war with Russia. He mocked US President Donald Trump's characterization of Russia as a "paper tiger," asserting that Russia is confidently fighting against the entire NATO bloc and questioning NATO's own strength. Putin criticized Europe's ongoing military buildup and NATO expansion, particularly condemning Sweden and Finland's decisions to join the alliance as "stupid," arguing these countries sacrificed their neutrality. He accused NATO countries of directly supporting Ukraine in the conflict and warned that supplying advanced weapons like Tomahawk missiles could escalate tensions further. Putin depicted the Western approach to Russia as driven by incompetence and hysteria while urging Europe to focus on its internal problems instead of provoking Russia. Throughout his speech, he portrayed Russia as strong and resolute, ready to retaliate against any provocations and maintaining strategic initiative in the Ukraine conflict.