Putin warns of direct Western aggression and boosts Russian military spending

Russian President Vladimir Putin told newly‑graduated officers of Russian military academies that the West is shifting from supporting Ukraine to openly preparing for a direct conflict with Russia. He criticised NATO and the European Union for accelerating offensive defence budgets and warned that Western leaders are speaking of a “front‑line war” against the Russian Federation.

Putin noted that around 40 % of Russia’s total budget is now earmarked for the armed forces, armaments and national security, underscoring Moscow’s heightened readiness to defend its borders and interests against perceived Western interference.