M10news – Russian President Vladimir Putin has insisted that NATO expansion, rather than European Union relations, was the key factor behind Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Speaking during a visit to China, Putin accused Western powers of attempting to dominate the post-Soviet space and dismissed concerns about further Russian aggression as “hysteria.”
Putin said the West’s approach to Eastern Europe had left Russia with no choice but to act to safeguard its security interests. “It was the constant encroachment of NATO towards our borders that forced our hand,” he told reporters.
The Russian leader repeatedly stressed that EU integration talks with Ukraine had not posed a direct threat to Moscow. He argued that the European bloc’s influence in the region was overstated and that Moscow’s concerns were focused solely on military encroachment.
European officials reacted cautiously to Putin’s remarks, noting that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 had been widely condemned internationally and violated multiple agreements.
Analysts say Putin’s comments are part of a broader narrative that Russia has maintained since the start of the conflict, framing NATO as the primary threat while downplaying the role of Ukraine’s Western partnerships.
Putin also criticised Western sanctions, describing them as “ineffective and counterproductive” and claiming they were designed to weaken Russia politically and economically.
Despite these claims, the Kremlin leader acknowledged that tensions with Europe remain high and suggested that dialogue is still possible under certain conditions.
Observers say his statements are likely aimed at both domestic and international audiences, reinforcing his portrayal of Russia as a nation defending itself against perceived Western encroachment.
During the visit to Beijing, Putin will meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping, with talks expected to cover energy cooperation, trade, and global security issues.
The Russian president’s comments come as NATO continues to provide military aid to Ukraine and European nations debate long-term security strategies in the region.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials dismissed Putin’s statements as propaganda and reaffirmed their calls for continued support from Western allies.
International experts warn that while Russia highlights NATO expansion, the ongoing conflict’s humanitarian impact and regional destabilisation remain the most urgent concerns.
Putin concluded his press briefing by asserting that Russia’s actions are defensive, aimed at ensuring national security, and insisted that any accusations of aggressive intent are exaggerated by Western media.
