Russian president dismisses threat to Europe, boasts military gains in Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin dismissed claims that Russia may attack Europe, calling such assertions “false and absurd.”

Putin accused European politicians of amplifying “hysteria” and “instilling fears” of an inevitable confrontation with Russia, he said at a Ministry of Defence meeting, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

“The task of expanding the buffer security zone will be achieved, and the objectives of the special military operation [SVO] will be fulfilled,” he stated.

According to Putin, 2025 has marked a pivotal year in advancing the goals of the SVO. “The Russian army has gained and firmly holds the strategic initiative along the entire front line. This year, the Russian Armed Forces liberated more than 300 settlements. They are grinding down the enemy, including elite units trained in Western military centres,” he said.

Putin added that Russia has the capacity to accelerate its offensive along strategically important directions in Ukraine.

The president also underscored the continuing role of Russia’s strategic nuclear forces in “deterring aggressors and maintaining the balance of power in the world.”

Highlighting Moscow’s advanced weapons programs, Putin said the “Oreshnik” missile system will enter combat duty by the end of the year. He further noted the successful tests of the “Burevestnik” and “Poseidon” systems, emphasizing that these weapons “already exist” and will continue to be refined.

By Vafa Guliyeva