In a sharply worded address expected to provoke fresh international reactions, Russian President Vladimir Putin accused the West of preparing for direct military conflict with Russia — as the war in Ukraine drags on with no immediate resolution in sight.
NATO’s ‘New Phase’ of Military Readiness
Speaking to hundreds of graduates from Russian military academies in Moscow, Putin claimed that NATO and Western countries have entered a new phase of military preparation against Russia. He said that while NATO members previously limited their involvement to supporting Ukraine, their posture has now shifted dramatically.
“They are preparing for war against us and significantly increasing their defense spending,” Putin stated, adding that Western governments are openly discussing military readiness while justifying these moves with what he called baseless claims of a Russian military threat.
Russia’s Message of Readiness
Putin also sent a clear signal of resolve, emphasizing that Russia is closely monitoring developments and prepared to respond to any challenge. “We are ready to respond operationally and appropriately to any kind of threat,” he said.
His remarks come amid ongoing Russian military operations in Ukraine — and as defense, security, and war-related expenditures now account for roughly 40% of Russia’s state budget.
Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, launched in February 2022, triggered unprecedented military, economic, and humanitarian support for Kyiv from European Union and NATO member states. With the war continuing and prospects for peace appearing increasingly distant, many Western countries are expressing growing concern over European security — and stepping up defense capabilities and military budgets accordingly.