Putin warns NATO expansion leaves Russia “no choice but to respond”

Russian President Vladimir Putin said that NATO's continued expansion into the post-Soviet space left Russia with no choice but to respond, citing the alliance's activities as a direct threat to national security.

His remarks came during a meeting with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico in Moscow, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

“Because the other side of this coin is that, with NATO’s help, an attempt is being made to absorb practically the entire post-Soviet space. We were forced to respond to this,” Putin stated.

He emphasized that Russia's actions, including those in Ukraine, are primarily aimed at safeguarding national interests.

The meeting between the two leaders also took an unexpectedly candid turn during its protocol segment. In a moment of levity, Prime Minister Fico asked Putin how he was feeling, to which the Russian president responded with dry humor:

“If I'm alive, that's already good,” Putin quipped, adding with a laugh, “A pleasant question. It concerns everyone.”

Amid the lighter tone, Putin delivered substantive remarks on Ukraine’s future security arrangements, revealing that discussions had taken place with US President Donald Trump during a meeting in Anchorage, Alaska.

“There are options for ensuring Ukraine’s security in the case the conflict is resolved. This was also the subject of our discussions in Anchorage, and I believe there is a possibility of reaching a consensus,” he said.

Putin reiterated Russia’s long-standing opposition to Ukraine joining NATO, while clarifying that Moscow does not object to Ukraine’s potential integration into the European Union.

“As for Ukraine's membership in the EU — we have never objected to that. As for NATO — that is a different matter. Here, it’s about ensuring the security of the Russian Federation, not only today,” he emphasized.

By Vafa Guliyeva