Putin: Deployment of European Troops to Ukraine Means War with Russia

Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on Friday (11/9) that Europe is pushing its nations towards war with Russia, warning that the deployment of European troops to Ukraine would be equivalent to a war against Moscow, according to reports from the state news agency Tass.

“They are currently discussing ways to send troops to Ukraine. That means war with Russia,” he told reporters.

Putin accused Western nations of attempting to “finish off” Russia by “exploiting” Ukraine.

“Regarding security, the issue is clear: this is an attempt to ‘finish off’ the Russian Federation. Initially using terrorists and separatists in the Caucasus, then through other means, and now through the neo-Nazi regime in Ukraine. However, it does not stop there,” he said.

Putin also stated that Moscow does not threaten, nor intends to threaten, European nations.

He claimed that the “European elite” are frightening their citizens with what he described as an “imaginary threat from Russia,” adding that Moscow has no reason to conflict with Europe.

“We do not threaten, nor do we intend to threaten, European countries. Why would we do that? No one even considers the fact that we have no reason whatsoever to conflict with Europe,” he remarked.

Putin also warned that Europe’s energy policy mistakes would lead to rising gas prices for consumers, while asserting that Russia sells its energy resources at market prices.