Putin Accuses European Leaders of War Rhetoric to Divert From Domestic Failures

TREE NEWS update: Russian President Vladimir Putin said on September 18 that some European leaders are publicly claiming to be preparing for war with Russia only to shore up falling approval ratings and distract from economic and social policy failures. Speaking at a meeting of Russia’s military-industrial commission, Putin said Europeans have made clear they do not want war with Russia, but some leaders keep escalating tensions and treating Ukrainians as cannon fodder. He said Russia has no aggressive intentions toward European countries and is ready to cooperate and restore relations with its neighbors.