Putin Says Western Countries Fear Retaliation and Haven't Launched Drones from Their Territory

Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on June 23 that Western countries have deliberately refrained from launching drones at Russia from their own territory, understanding that such action would trigger military retaliation. Speaking to graduates of military academies in Moscow, Putin argued that European nations are acutely aware of the consequences and are making efforts to avoid direct involvement in drone operations against Russia. He noted that when Ukrainian drones enter Baltic airspace, countries in the region attribute these incidents to technical failures or air defense operations rather than accusing Russia, which he characterized as an implicit acknowledgment of the risks involved.

Putin dismissed accusations from pro-war Telegram channels and Russian officials that Baltic states are facilitating Ukrainian drone launches, effectively rejecting claims previously made by Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) that Latvia had agreed to host Ukrainian military personnel for drone operations. Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania had categorically denied these allegations in a joint statement. Putin stated that Western countries continue to support Ukraine indirectly through military production facilities and weapons supplies, but understand they must avoid direct territorial involvement to prevent escalation.

In broader remarks to the military academy graduates, Putin rejected claims by NATO and European Union leaders about a Russian threat as false propaganda designed to justify increased defense spending and militarization. He drew a historical parallel to World War II, claiming that even after Nazi Germany's 1941 invasion of the Soviet Union, the West attempted to accuse the USSR of aggression. Putin reiterated that Russian forces understand the situation and are making progress across all frontline sectors, and he instructed the government to minimize consequences from Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian infrastructure. He also stated there were no preconditions for peace negotiations with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.