Kathrine Frich
Vladimir Putin’s latest threat toward Europe has drawn a pointed response from NATO’s leader.
As the Russian president claims Moscow is “ready right now” for a conflict, Western officials say his statements reflect political theatre rather than military credibility.
Mark Rutte, speaking ahead of a major NATO meeting in Brussels, responded with a remark aimed directly at the Russian leader’s carefully choreographed public image.
Mocking tone
Putin insisted this week that Russia had no desire to fight Europe but was fully prepared if forced.
“We do not intend to wage a war with Europe, but if Europe decides to start a war, we are ready right now,” he said, according to Digi24.
Asked about the comment, Rutte said he had no intention of reacting to every statement from the Kremlin.
But he added a pointed observation: “I saw him in military clothes, dressed like a soldier on the front, but without being on the front, but quite far away.”
Rutte’s comment came as NATO foreign ministers gathered in Brussels to assess ongoing security concerns and review the state of peace efforts surrounding Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Pressure on Moscow
When asked about negotiations, the NATO chief stressed the need for a process that produces tangible progress.
He said pressure on Russia must remain consistent, both through military assistance for Ukraine and through continued economic restrictions.
“It is important to have a peace process that leads to results,” Rutte said.
He added that if talks appear stalled, two things help maintain leverage: ensuring aid to Ukraine remains steady and making certain that sanctions continue to function as intended.
Stalled diplomacy
His remarks followed the latest round of negotiations in Moscow between American representatives and Putin’s team.
According to Digi24, the five hour meeting ended without agreement.
Kremlin adviser Yuri Ushakov said both sides focused on the main ideas behind the American proposals rather than precise text.
“We did not discuss specific formulations, specific proposals of the Americans, but we discussed the essence of what is provided for in these American documents,” Ushakov said.
He added that Moscow agreed with some elements, while “other aspects aroused criticism from us, and the president did not hide our critical and even negative attitude towards a number of proposals.”
Sources: Digi24.
