Putin Warns NATO, Declares India Will Not Surrender to American Pressure on Energy

Putin Warns NATO: Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday launched a scathing attack on US President Donald Trump, NATO countries, and European countries. Speaking at the Valdai Discussion Group, he said that Russia is not a "paper tiger" and that any European attempt to provoke it would be met with an immediate, decisive response.

Putin's Attack on Trump

Putin said that Trump used to say that Ukraine would have to leave its land for peace, but now he has changed the his tone and claims that Ukraine can withdraw lost land from Russia. Putin said, "If Russia is fighting NATO and America and still moving forward, how can we be called a paper lion?"

A Major Statement on India and Oil

Putin praised India's independent policy regarding oil purchases. He said that despite US pressure, India will never bow down and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not take any action that would diminish India's respect.

Putin warned that if Russian oil supplies are stopped, global oil prices could rise above $100 per barrel. He also said that countries like India closely monitor the decisions of their leadership and will not be humiliated.

Reaction to NATO and Nuclear Tests

Putin stated that NATO countries are providing weapons, intelligence, and training to Ukraine, but are spreading fears that Russia might attack them. He categorically rejected this possibility and stated that Russia would not attack any NATO member country on its own. However, he clarified that if any nuclear-armed country conducts a test, Russia will do the same.

He advised NATO countries to "cool their heads, sleep peacefully, and focus on their own problems."

The Situation in Ukraine and Suggestion of Talks

Putin claimed that the Ukrainian army is facing a shortage of troops and devastation, while Russia has sufficient troops and resources. He suggested that Ukraine should come forward for talks to end the war.

Controversy in Europe and Belgium's Demand

Russia has expressed displeasure over the seizure of a Russian oil tanker in France. The captain of this tanker is a Chinese citizen.
Meanwhile, Belgium has said that if Ukraine is given a loan of $165 billion from seized Russian assets, it should get European guarantees to deal with the future threat from Russia.