Russian President Vladimir Putin said NATO’s increased defense spending poses no real threat to Russia, just days before the alliance is set to approve plans to boost military capabilities across Europe. Speaking at a press conference in Saint Petersburg, Putin claimed Russia is fully self-sufficient in ensuring its security and continues to modernize its armed forces. While acknowledging NATO’s move could present “specific challenges,” he brushed them off as manageable.

As NATO prepares for a summit in The Hague to discuss raising defense spending to 5% of GDP, Putin emphasized that such moves are unnecessary and ineffective. He reiterated that Russia’s offensive in Ukraine would continue, asserting his forces are making daily advances along the front lines and holding a “strategic advantage.”

Putin questioned Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s legitimacy, saying any future meeting would only happen during the "final phase" of negotiations. He claimed he was open to talks — even with Zelensky — but only if Ukraine was ready to conclude the conflict on Russia’s terms.

Moscow continues to reject ceasefire proposals, insisting Ukraine must cede territory and give up Western military support — demands Kyiv has condemned as ultimatums. As peace efforts stall, Russia has intensified its aerial attacks. A recent missile strike on Kyiv killed at least 28 civilians, though Putin denied targeting residential areas — a claim contradicted by widespread destruction across Ukraine.