Putin says Russia will not attack Europe and blames Ukraine for the breakdown in peace talks
Shortly before the State Duma elections, Ukraine said it was ready to return to negotiations. Russia was prepared to resume contact after the elections. But on the main voting day, Kyiv attacked Moscow, launched more than 1,600 drones, and struck polling stations. After what they did, we’ll consider how to respond. We’ll decide whether to resume negotiations based on our own interests. Ukraine…
Vladimir Putin addressed journalists at the Forum of United Cultures in St. Petersburg on September 25, 2026. He stated that Russia does not plan to attack Europe and blamed Ukraine for the breakdown in peace talks. Ukraine had indicated its willingness to return to negotiations shortly before the State Duma elections, and Russia was prepared to resume contact afterward.
However, on voting day, Ukraine launched over 1,600 drones and struck polling stations. In response, Russia will consider how to react based on its own interests and may resume negotiations if it deems it necessary. Ukraine should bear the consequences of Russia’s retaliatory strikes, which are causing significant destruction and prompting Ukraine to consider a ceasefire.
Putin emphasized that Russia is not preparing for military action against Europe; instead, European countries are escalating tensions and using Ukraine as a tool in their conflict with Russia. He also mentioned that Russian speakers' rights are being violated in the Baltic states, to which Russia is responding with humanitarian measures.
Meduza, the news outlet, is committed to transparency about its use of artificial intelligence in the newsroom, with every draft being reviewed by an editor before publication.
Written by urgent.news from Meduza (English)'s reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
