At a Sept. 18 meeting of the Russian military-industrial commission, Putin said some European leaders publicly claim they are preparing for war with Russia to shore up falling support and to mask economic and social-policy failures, but with little effect. He said European publics do not want war, yet some leaders continue to escalate tensions and treat Ukrainians as cannon fodder. Putin stressed Russia has no aggressive intent toward European countries and is willing to cooperate with neighbors

At a Sept. 18 meeting of the Russian military-industrial commission, Putin said some European leaders publicly claim they are preparing for war with Russia to shore up falling support and to mask economic and social-policy failures, but with little effect. He said European publics do not want war, yet some leaders continue to escalate tensions and treat Ukrainians as cannon fodder. Putin stressed Russia has no aggressive intent toward European countries and is willing to cooperate with neighbors to restore relations.