Putin: I hope even the most stubborn slow-witted will understand that Russia cannot be defeated

Russian President Vladimir Putin hopes that even the most "stubborn slow-witted" in the West will understand the impossibility of inflicting a strategic defeat on Russia. At the same time, Russia itself is not going to attack. The statement was made during a speech at the plenary session of the Valdai International Discussion Club today, October 2.

"Is Russia going to attack NATO? It is impossible to believe in this nonsense," Putin said.

According to him, what European politicians are doing now is "trying to patch up the cracks in the building of Europe by forming the image of the enemy in the face of Russia."

"In terms of the number and volume of punitive measures imposed against us, which are shamefully called sanctions, Russia is an absolute record holder in world history — 30, and maybe even more than any restrictions. So what, have you achieved your goal? I think there is no need to explain to those present here that these efforts have completely failed," the Russian leader said.

He called on European politicians who claim about the Russian threat to calm down, sleep well and deal with their problems. Nevertheless, Russia's response to the militarization of Europe will not be long in coming.