Sochi, Russia — At the Valdai Discussion Club in the Black Sea resort of Sochi, President Vladimir Putin delivered a strongly worded address rejecting claims that Russia plans to attack NATO countries. He called such assertions “nonsense” and accused Western leaders of using fear to rationalize military expansion. At the same time, he issued a clear warning: if the U.S. sends long-range Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine, it will cross into a “qualitatively new” level of escalation in Moscow’s view.
“NATO Attack” Claims Are “Nonsense”
Putin sharply criticized Western narratives suggesting Russia is preparing aggression toward NATO. He said repeated accusations are either a sign of profound misjudgment or outright dishonesty, aimed at justifying Europe’s rising defense budgets.
“They repeat this nonsense, this mantra, over and over again,” Putin told the Valdai forum. “Either they are incredibly incompetent because it’s impossible to believe this or they are simply dishonest.”
He argued that claims of imminent aggression serve as a diversion from internal European problems rather than reflecting genuine security concerns. Describing them as hysterical, he suggested those narratives benefit ruling elites more than they benefit regional stability.
A Reply to the “Paper Tiger” Taunt
Earlier, former President Donald Trump had described Russia as a “paper tiger.” Putin responded by turning the insult toward NATO itself: if Russia, engaged in conflict with the full alliance, can be called weak, then what does that say about NATO?
He continued to frame Russia as assertive and confident, pushing back against what he described as an atmosphere of fear surrounding Moscow’s capabilities. He warned that any escalation from Europe would be met with prompt counters.
Tomahawks: A “Red Line” Putin Won’t Ignore
While dismissing the idea of a NATO invasion, Putin drew a sharp boundary around plans to supply Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine. The advanced missiles have long reach often cited at over 1,500 miles and Ukraine has lobbied Washington for them.
Putin asserted that delivering them would not be a simple arms transfer, but an act of direct engagement: “It is impossible to use Tomahawks without the direct participation of American military personnel,” he said. He called such measures a step into a “qualitatively new stage of escalation,” especially in U.S.–Russia relations.
Battlefield Claims & Diplomatic Pressure
In his broader remarks, Putin insisted Russian forces remain on the advance along the Ukrainian front. He claimed Kyiv’s forces have suffered heavy losses and suggested Ukraine should reconsider its stance and open negotiations.
Regarding the U.S. supply of Tomahawks, he suggested the decision would have far-reaching consequences, effectively raising the stakes to a new level. Washington, for its part, faces logistical constraints: U.S. officials have privately acknowledged limited inventory of Tomahawks, many already committed to naval forces. Some media reports suggest the U.S. may explore alternative long-range systems or encourage European partners to provide them.
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