Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed the CSTO summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on November 27, 2025, firmly rejecting allegations that Russia plans to attack Europe. He described such claims as “laughable” and “a total lie,” arguing that they are being spread by politicians and media figures seeking higher ratings and advancing the interests of the military-industrial complex.

Putin’s remarks come amid stalled peace negotiations over Ukraine, a situation that has fueled speculation about Russia’s intentions in Europe. He emphasized that these allegations are part of a broader narrative aimed at provoking fear and justifying continued military build-ups. The Russian leader pointed to NATO expansion as a factor in Moscow’s perception of external threats, a position historically cited to justify its military actions, including the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. While independent studies, including a 2023 RAND Corporation report, confirm that NATO growth increased Russia’s security concerns, analysts stress that these fears do not legitimize aggressive acts toward European nations.

By publicly labeling these invasion claims as false, Putin is attempting to position Russia as a responsible actor on the international stage, portraying Western fears as a combination of media sensationalism and the self-interest of political actors. His speech underscores the ongoing tensions in Eastern Europe while signaling Russia’s intent to continue framing its foreign policy as defensive rather than expansionist.