Archive · 26 Sep 2026
Putin Rejects European Fears of Possible Russian Attack
Vladimir Putin said Russia is not getting ready to fight Europe.
He said some European governments are making people afraid of a Russian attack.
Those governments say they need to prepare for a possible war.
NATO has been sharing more information because of suspected sabotage, drones and other secret actions linked to Russia.
NATO commander Alexus Grynkewich said people should not panic.
He said NATO has systems to respond to possible threats.
Denmark warned that Russia might use more hybrid warfare against Western countries.
Putin also said peace talks with Ukraine could still happen.
However, he said Russia would first think about how to respond to recent Ukrainian attacks.
Vladimir Putin said Russia is not preparing for hostilities with Europe or NATO members.
Putin accused some European governments of creating fears of a Russian attack to justify wider confrontation preparations.
NATO has increased intelligence-sharing after suspected Russian sabotage, drone activity and other covert incidents.
NATO commander Alexus Grynkewich said there was no need for panic but that the alliance was strengthening its response.
Putin said Ukraine peace talks remain possible, though Moscow will consider its response to recent Ukrainian attacks on Russian territory.
- Who
- Russian President Vladimir Putin, NATO officials, European governments and Ukraine are involved.
- What
- Putin rejected claims that Russia is preparing for hostilities with Europe while NATO strengthens its response to suspected Russian hybrid threats.
- When
- Putin made the comments on Friday, September 26, 2026; the article was last updated that day.
- Where
- Putin spoke to reporters in St Petersburg; the concerns involve Europe, NATO countries and Russia.
- Why
- Putin said Russia had no real motive to escalate tensions, while NATO cited suspected sabotage and other incidents linked to Russia.
Russian Position
European and NATO Concerns
Risk of Russian attack
Russian Position
Vladimir Putin said Moscow is not preparing for hostilities with Europe and accused some European governments of creating fears of an attack.
European and NATO Concerns
Some NATO members and European officials are concerned about possible Russian attacks, sabotage, drone activity and covert operations.
Need for military preparedness
Russian Position
Putin said European governments were using fears of Russia to prepare for a wider confrontation.
European and NATO Concerns
NATO is increasing intelligence-sharing and strengthening its response to suspected hybrid threats; Denmark warned of a low but growing risk of a limited attack on some bordering members.
Peace negotiations with Ukraine
Russian Position
Putin said proposals for renewed talks remain available, but Moscow will assess its response to recent Ukrainian attacks before deciding its next steps.
European and NATO Concerns
The article does not provide a separate Ukrainian position on the prospects for renewed negotiations.
- Putin's position
- Russia is not preparing for any kind of hostilities with Europe.
- NATO response
- NATO has increased intelligence-sharing among member states.
- Reported threats
- European countries have raised concerns about suspected sabotage, drone activity and covert actions.
- NATO assessment
- General Alexus Grynkewich said there was no need for panic and that NATO had systems to address potential threats.
- Denmark's warning
- Denmark's defence intelligence service warned of increased Russian hybrid warfare and a low but growing risk of a limited attack on bordering NATO members.
- Moscow's denial
- Moscow has repeatedly denied involvement in sabotage or hybrid operations in NATO countries.
- Ukraine talks
- Putin said renewed peace proposals remain on the table, but Russia will consider its response to recent Ukrainian attacks.