Putin Calls for Peace but Warns of a Response

Putin said Russia would prefer peaceful relations and cooperation with European countries.

“Let’s live together peacefully,” he said, while warning that Russia would have to respond if threats or hostile actions continued.

Putin also said Russia has “no aggressive intentions” toward Europe or European countries and argued that Moscow has no reason to attack them. He said Russia was ready to cooperate with European neighbors and restore relations.

These remarks come amid continuing tensions between Russia and European countries over the war in Ukraine and wider security issues.

Nuclear Triad Remains a Priority

Putin identified the strengthening of Russia's nuclear triad as one of the country's “unconditional priorities.”

He described the nuclear triad — Russia's land-based missiles, nuclear-armed submarines and strategic bombers — as a guarantee of national sovereignty and an important element in maintaining the global balance of power.

Putin also claimed that 92 percent of Russia's strategic missile forces consist of modern weapons.

Russian officials have repeatedly emphasized modernization of the country's strategic nuclear forces as part of its national defense policy.

Putin Questions Baltic Sea Military Exercises

Putin also criticized recent military exercises in the Baltic Sea.

He claimed that one of the objectives of the exercises was to practice the seizure of civilian ships and questioned whether such activity was consistent with international law.

“Is this normal?” Putin asked, arguing that countries frequently emphasize the importance of international law while conducting exercises involving the boarding or seizure of civilian vessels.

Reports published after Putin's remarks also quoted him as saying that Russia would have to respond if European countries continued preparing for such actions.

The claim about the purpose of the exercises was presented by Putin and has not been independently established in the remarks provided.

Putin Highlights Russian Weapons Development

Putin said Russia is continuing to develop modern weapons and military equipment that he described as highly reliable and effective.

He said some of these systems are considered among the most capable weapons not only in Russia but internationally.

His comments came during a meeting focused on Russia's military-industrial sector, where he discussed priorities for the country's weapons program, including nuclear forces and air defense.

Putin Criticizes European Leaders

Putin accused some European leaders of openly preparing for a possible war with Russia.

He argued that these leaders were using the threat of conflict to address domestic political difficulties and declining public support.

Putin also claimed that European voters had demonstrated through elections that they did not want war with Russia, but said some governments were continuing policies that he described as escalation.

These statements represent Putin's political assessment of European governments and their motivations rather than independently established facts.

Putin Accuses Europe of Using Ukrainians

Putin also accused European leaders of using Ukrainians as “cannon fodder” in the conflict.

He presented this as part of his criticism of continued European military and political support for Ukraine.

European governments supporting Ukraine have generally described their assistance as support for Ukraine's ability to defend itself against Russia's invasion, while Russia has consistently criticized such assistance.

Putin Criticizes Ukraine Over Elections and Peace Talks

Putin also described Ukraine as a “dictatorship” and criticized the absence of national elections.

He argued that Ukraine's leadership does not want to conduct peace negotiations and claimed that Kyiv's actions are preventing the negotiating process from continuing.

Ukraine's national elections have been affected by the country's wartime conditions and martial law. The issue has become part of the wider political dispute between Moscow and Kyiv.

Putin's characterization of Ukraine's political system and his claims about Kyiv's intentions are disputed and are presented here as his statements.

Russia and Europe Remain at Odds

Putin's remarks combine calls for peaceful relations with warnings that Russia will respond to what Moscow considers security threats.

At the same time, tensions between Russia and European countries remain closely connected to the war in Ukraine, military support for Kyiv and concerns about European security.

Putin said Russia is ready to restore relations with its European neighbors, while maintaining that strengthening Russia's military capabilities remains a key national priority.

Key Points

  • Putin said Russia wants peaceful relations with Europe.
  • He warned that Russia would respond if it faced continued threats.
  • He described strengthening the nuclear triad as a major priority.
  • Putin claimed that 92 percent of Russia's strategic missile forces are modern.
  • He criticized recent military exercises in the Baltic Sea.
  • Putin claimed the exercises included preparations to seize civilian ships.
  • He said Russia is developing modern and advanced weapons.
  • Putin accused some European leaders of preparing for war with Russia.
  • He accused European leaders of using Ukrainians as “cannon fodder.”
  • Putin said Russia has no aggressive intentions toward European countries.
  • He accused Ukraine's leadership of obstructing peace negotiations.
  • He also criticized the absence of national elections in Ukraine.

Source

This article is based on statements made by Russian President Vladimir Putin on September 18, 2026, during remarks concerning Russia's military-industrial policy and relations with Europe.