Putin Blames Europe for Ukraine Escalation, Criticizes US Tariffs Amid Rising Tensions

Russian President Vladimir Putin has sharply criticized European leaders for escalating tensions and fueling 'war hysteria' regarding a potential Russian invasion of NATO, which he dismissed as impossible. He warned that the increasing militarization of Europe, particularly Germany's ambition to have the strongest army on the continent, will provoke credible and forceful Russian countermeasures. Putin blamed European countries for prolonging the war in Ukraine through policies of constant escalation and highlighted unsuccessful peace efforts, including negotiations led by U.S. President Donald Trump. Despite tensions, Putin expressed gratitude toward countries like the UAE, BRICS members, Belarus, and North Korea for their sincere efforts toward conflict resolution. He reaffirmed that Russia has not initiated military confrontation but will never tolerate weakness, emphasizing that any misadventure against Russia would be met with a convincing response. Additionally, Putin announced the activation of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty with Iran aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation and regional stability amid a changing global order.