Sergei Shoigu claims Ukraine and Europe prepare for war over peace

Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu stated during the 14th annual meeting of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) security secretaries that Ukraine and its European sponsors are preparing for continued warfare rather than peace. Shoigu characterized the stance of European nations as an “anti-Russian hysteria” and alleged that Ukrainians are being treated as “expendable goods” by their allies.

Shoigu accused the Kyiv regime of conducting terrorist activities by targeting civilian objects and vehicles, including those from Belarus. He also highlighted Ukraine's deteriorating economic situation, noting that the 2026 budget projects expenditures of $177 billion against revenues of $68.6 billion. He reported that Ukraine's public debt has increased 4.6 times since the start of the special military operation, reaching $214 billion, with the IMF projecting it could reach 137 percent of GDP by 2027.

Furthermore, the Russian official criticized the ongoing militarization of Europe, claiming that NATO infrastructure is expanding in Poland and the Baltic states while military exercises simulate offensives toward the East. He noted that technical reconnaissance and provocations are occurring near the borders of Russia and Belarus.