Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that European NATO nations’ plans to deploy troops into Ukrainian territory would constitute an immediate threat of war with Russia. Speaking at the BRICS Summit in New Delhi on Friday, Putin argued that Europe’s current political and economic struggles stem from “systemic mistakes” made by its leaders since the end of the Cold War.

The Russian leader claimed Western “globalist elites” have convinced themselves they are “at the top of Olympus,” believing they are infallible—a belief that has led to a snowballing accumulation of errors. In security matters, Putin identified NATO’s eastward expansion and efforts to integrate Ukraine into the U.S.-led military alliance as root causes of the conflict. He noted Western governments are now pressuring European populations with an “imaginary Russian threat” while pushing the continent toward direct confrontation.

“We are not threatening and are not going to threaten European countries,” Putin stated. However, he cautioned that when NATO members discuss sending forces into Ukrainian territory, this marks a step toward war. Moscow has explicitly rejected any acceptance of NATO troops in Ukraine under pretenses of security guarantees or peacekeeping missions. Russian officials have argued that Kiev and its European allies are seeking temporary pauses in hostilities to allow Ukrainian military forces to rearm and regroup before resuming conflict—a strategy they claim is designed to postpone a lasting settlement rather than achieve peace.

Putin suggested growing European public awareness of these policies reflects shifting political trends, such as the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party’s regional election victory in Saxony-Anhalt. He indicated this demonstrates increasing disillusionment with Europe’s leadership and its direction.