Putin dismisses claims of European invasion plans, names Dr. Goebbels
Russian President Vladimir Putin (photo: Getty Images)
Russian President Vladimir Putin called the information about a possible Russian attack on European and NATO countries an incredible lie, according to remarks made during a press conference at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.
The Kremlin leader does not view NATO's rearmament efforts as a threat to Russia, stating that they are self-sufficient in terms of ensuring their own security and are constantly improving their defense capabilities.
“Whatever NATO does, of course, it creates certain threats, but we neutralize all of them as they arise. In this regard, any rearmament or increasing defense budgets to 5% of NATO countries’ GDP makes no sense,” Putin said.
Putin also claimed that concerns in the West about a Russian threat arise from time to time and called this threat imaginary. He repeated Kremlin propaganda narratives about the accession of Crimea, the so-called coup in Ukraine, and Ukraine’s alleged refusal to implement the Minsk agreements.
According to him, Russia ultimately decided to put an end to the conflict (referring to Ukraine’s anti-terrorist operation in Donbas – ed.) by using its armed forces.
“What does that mean? That we’re going to attack Eastern Europe or something? A well-known Nazi propagandist once said, ‘The more unbelievable the lie, the faster people will believe it.’ The claim that Russia is preparing to attack Europe or NATO countries is the most unbelievable lie — and yet they’re trying to make the people of Western Europe believe it… It’s complete nonsense. Dr. Goebbels would be proud, and apparently, someone in Europe believes it,” Putin said.
For context: In recent weeks, reports have been increasing in Western media about Russia possibly preparing for an invasion of European countries and a potential war with NATO.
Indeed, in April, The Wall Street Journal reported that Russia was preparing to deploy additional troops closer to its borders with Europe.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius did not rule out the possibility of a war between Russia and NATO and urged allies to be prepared for potential threats.
According to German intelligence, Russia is increasing its defense spending and is preparing for a potential invasion of Europe closer to the year 2030.
