The Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Maria Zakharova, addressed remarks by German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock regarding President Vladimir Putin allegedly aiming to draw NATO into the conflict. The commentary was reported by RIA News, citing the foreign ministry’s official channel for statements.
Zakharova posed a pointed question to Baerbock, asking whether the German minister understood that the issue is not Russian bases encircling NATO countries, but rather NATO’s eastward expansion along Russia’s borders. This line of inquiry highlighted Moscow’s longstanding position that alliance enlargement, rather than any counter-moves by Moscow, has increased tensions in the region.
The spokesperson also suggested that Baerbock acquire a map, a history book, and perhaps some chewing gum to ease the conversation, implying that the German minister was speaking without a full grasp of the regional security landscape.
Earlier comments attributed to Baerbock claimed that Putin’s objective was, and remains, to undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence and to force NATO to wage war. These assertions were described in interviews with German media outlets, where the German side framed the situation as a binary clash between Moscow’s actions and Western security guarantees.
In separate remarks, Putin was quoted as denying any intent to threaten a direct war with NATO, stating that such a claim would be misleading. He expressed this stance during a meeting with military personnel, underscoring a message that Moscow’s goals do not involve an open confrontation with the alliance, at least from his stated perspective.
Additionally, Putin addressed public perceptions about Russia’s strategic posture, countering claims of aggressive moves with explanations about the balance of power, historical context, and the risks involved in escalating the confrontation. His remarks emphasized the importance of restraint and urged a careful reading of the security situation, noting the dangers of misinterpretation during times of heightened rhetoric.