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Russian President Vladimir Putin said Friday that Moscow has no plans to attack Europe and is ready to restore relations with its European neighbors, while warning that Russia would respond to perceived threats and outlining plans to strengthen its nuclear forces, air defenses, drones and precision weapons.
Speaking at a meeting of Russia’s Military-Industrial Commission, Putin accused some European leaders of portraying Moscow as a threat to justify what he called excessive spending related to the war in Ukraine.
“I want to state once again: Russia has no aggressive intentions toward Europe or European countries,” Putin said. “There are simply no grounds for this whatsoever. We are ready for cooperation and for restoring relations with our European neighbors.”
Putin also said the number of potential threats facing Russia was not declining and pointed to NATO’s expansion. He accused some European leaders of talking about preparations for war with Russia in an effort to influence declining political ratings.
Putin criticized recent European military exercises in the Baltic Sea, saying they included training for the seizure of civilian vessels.
“They constantly talk about defending international law and upholding its norms, yet they prepare to seize civilian vessels,” he said.
Putin contrasted those exercises with European concerns over developments in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
“Let us live in peace — otherwise, we, too, will be forced to respond,” he said, adding that this should be clear to all sides.
Putin also accused Kyiv of attempting to interfere with elections in Russia.
In August 2025, the Financial Times reported that Europe was undergoing a large-scale rearmament effort. After examining satellite images of 150 sites belonging to 37 defense companies across Europe, the newspaper said more than 7 million square meters of new defense-related industrial facilities had been developed.
Putin also outlined priorities for Russia’s new State Armament Program and a separate program for developing the country’s defense-industrial complex.
He said the programs would form the basis for developing and mass-producing modern weapons and military equipment so Russia’s armed forces and other security bodies could “quickly and effectively” respond to potential external threats.
Putin described strengthening Russia’s nuclear triad as an “absolute priority,” saying it remained a guarantee of national sovereignty and played a key role in maintaining the global balance of power.
He said 92% of Russia’s Strategic Missile Forces are equipped with modern weapons.
The armament program will also focus on strengthening air defense systems and expanding a wide range of unmanned and robotic platforms, as well as precision-strike weapons.
Putin also called for the full completion of Russia’s orbital satellite constellation.
He said the expanded network would improve space-based reconnaissance, navigation, satellite communications and broadband internet capabilities.
According to Putin, the system would also strengthen Russia’s ability to command troops and weapons in real time.
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