Russian President Vladimir Putin has strongly criticized European Union leaders for repeatedly warning that Russia may attack NATO, calling such claims “meaningless mantras.” Speaking at the annual Valdai Discussion Club meeting, he said the idea of a Russian assault on NATO is “completely unthinkable.” According to Putin, if EU leaders truly believe this, they are either incompetent or deliberately misleading their people. He advised European leaders to calm down, get proper rest, and focus on their own political, social, and financial crises instead of fueling unnecessary fears. Putin further noted that several countries, particularly Poland and the Baltic states, have long expressed concerns that a Russian victory in Ukraine could embolden Moscow to target NATO members. Russian officials, however, argue that these warnings are used as scare tactics to justify greater militarization. Putin emphasized that Europe’s leaders should stop spreading fear and concentrate on resolving domestic instability.