Putin Blames NATO for War Over 'Historical Territories'

"NATO is to blame because it entered our historical territories and plans bases there," Vladimir Putin stated during his annual Valdai Club speech. The Russian leader warned of "catastrophic scenarios" involving advanced technology that could lead to global destruction, while asserting the world has reached a decisive turning point away from Western hegemony. He argued that NATO's military expansion into countries he considers historical Russian lands was unnecessary and fueled radicalization in Kyiv. Putin also noted Ukraine had partially achieved its goals by attacking Russian oil refineries before Russia responded with strikes costing approximately 1% of GDP.