Putin denies Russian plans to attack European nations following drone warnings

Denial of European conflict plans

Speaking on the sidelines of the International Cultural Forum in Saint Petersburg on 25 September 2026, Russian President Vladimir Putin denied that Moscow is preparing for military conflict against European nations. Putin addressed reports circulating across European capitals that warned of potential Russian aggression, describing the claims as deliberate exaggerations designed to deceive European citizens. He stated that aggressive political circles in Europe seek to use Ukraine to constrain Russian economic and political development. Furthermore, Putin asserted that European governments rely on the narrative of an imminent Russian threat to justify ongoing public spending in support of Ukraine.

“I want to emphasize once again: we are not preparing for any military action against Europe. We have no such plans and, most importantly, we have no reasons for this, nor real incentives to escalate the situation with Europe.”

Intelligence reports on maritime drone threats

The Kremlin statements follow disclosures reported by Spanish newspaper El Mundo on 24 September 2026, which stated that United States intelligence shared warnings with several European governments. According to an unnamed source close to the Lithuanian Ministry of Defence, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) notified authorities that Russia was preparing potential drone attacks targeting Spain, France, or Italy. The reports stated that unmanned aerial vehicles could be deployed from merchant vessels operating within the Russian shadow fleet in the Mediterranean Sea. All three target nations are scheduled to hold elections in 2027. Moscow has previously stated that Western deliveries of weapons, intelligence data, and military advisers transform those nations into active participants in the war and legitimate targets.

International warnings and Western reactions

The intelligence reports follow a visit to Moscow by CIA Director John Ratcliffe on 25 August 2026, during which he warned Russian officials against provocations directed at NATO member states. On 23 September 2026, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the United Nations General Assembly, stating that Moscow planned to widen the conflict to encompass other European and NATO territories. Responses to the reported threats varied across European governments. French President Emmanuel Macron denied that France had received specific intelligence from the CIA concerning Russian drone operations against European targets, though he acknowledged that the country remains subject to attempted hostile actions.

Conditions for peace talks and alleged drone strikes

During the press conference in Saint Petersburg, Putin addressed the status of potential peace negotiations with Ukraine to conclude the war. He stated that diplomatic proposals to resume dialogue remain available, but stressed that Russia will base any decisions regarding talks strictly on its own national interests. Putin referenced a large aerial incident on the night between 19 and 20 September 2026, coinciding with the main Russian election day, claiming that over 1,600 Ukrainian drones entered the Moscow region. He also accused Ukrainian forces of conducting strikes against voting stations during the election.

“Proposals regarding the resumption of discussions, yes, they are indeed on the table, but after everything they have done, we will reflect carefully on what we should do in response.”