Putin Declares Europe the Enemy: Is the Kremlin Preparing for a New War?
Russia's President Vladimir Putin speaks during the Valdai Discussion Club annual international conference in Sochi, Russia, October 2, 2025. Sputnik/Mikhail Metzel/Pool via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY.
Source: Author’s Facebook page
“Europe is Russia’s main enemy.” That was the key message of Vladimir Putin’s four-hour speech at the Valdai Forum — a mix of conspiracy theories, historical revisionism, and nostalgia for empire. Behind the rhetoric, however, lies a clear signal: the Kremlin is preparing its people for a long confrontation with the West.
But the key shift lies in the definition of Russia’s main enemy. Whereas for years the United States held that position — ever since Putin’s infamous 2007 Munich speech — Europe is now being named the direct adversary.
“We cannot ignore the militarization of Europe. We must respond. And our response will be, to put it mildly, convincing,” Putin declared.
The Russian leader understands that, unlike the United States, Europe is not yet ready for war. According to various estimates, European rearmament and defense coordination will take until 2027–2029. And whether the U.S. would come to Europe’s aid in the event of Russian aggression during this window remains an open question.
Putin also senses NATO’s lack of resolve. In late September alone, several incidents involving unidentified drones occurred across Denmark, Belgium, Germany, and Finland — over military bases, airports, and critical infrastructure. Yet not a single drone was shot down.
This growing gap between Europe’s vulnerability and Russia’s aggressive rhetoric may be exactly what Putin hopes to exploit.
Europe is rearming in response to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine — and amid growing uncertainty in Washington over its long-term security commitments. While these measures are entirely legitimate, the Kremlin interprets them as proof of “anti-Russian militarization.” Putin’s warning about a “convincing” response can mean many things — but one should have no doubt: a response will come.
After all, the 2022 invasion was also framed as a “forced reaction” to Ukraine’s supposed militarization, when Moscow “had no other choice.” Now, with Europe’s rearmament still incomplete, the U.S. reconsidering its role as a guarantor, and the Russian army retaining combat experience, Putin sees an open window of opportunity for a pre-emptive strike.
And if tomorrow the Russian army were to invade Europe — and the United States declined to intervene directly — the only truly battle-tested, capable force on the continent would be the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
History has shown again and again that “Russia never plans to attack anyone.” It didn’t plan to invade Georgia, seize Crimea, or occupy parts of Donetsk and Luhansk. As Lavrov even said in March 2022, “We didn’t attack Ukraine either.”
Therefore, when Putin insists he has “no intention” of invading Europe, the most rational response for European leaders is not to believe a word — but to double down on support for Ukraine’s military and begin building the foundations of a joint European defense, with the Armed Forces of Ukraine at its core.
As a reminder, the European Political Community summit kicked off in Copenhagen on October 1. This is a meeting of heads of state and government from over 40 European countries, created as a platform for discussing security, economics, and energy. The format allows for the EU and non-EU countries to unite for coordination of actions and strategic dialogue.
It was previously announced that the central theme would be the creation of a “drone wall” and strengthening the defense of Europe’s eastern flank. The urgency of these steps has increased after a series of violations of NATO airspace by Russian targets.
At the same time, Moscow is trying to persuade Washington to normalize relations, combining nuclear blackmail with diplomatic and economic initiatives. At the same time, the Kremlin is deliberately prolonging the war against Ukraine and refusing any negotiations with Kyiv.
Meanwhile, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin made some loud statements at the Valdai Forum on October 2. He responded to US President Donald Trump’s words that Russia is a “paper tiger”, tried to justify the war against Ukraine, and even mentioned Russia’s alleged willingness to join NATO in the past.
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