Putin slams Europe and touts modernized nuclear arsenal

WISE NEWS PRESS / MOSCOW, RUSSIA — DECEMBER 18, 2025

Russian President Vladimir Putin used his annual meeting with top military officials to launch a verbal attack on European nations, accusing them of attempting to benefit from a potential Russian collapse while confirming the modernization of Russia's nuclear triad.

Addressing the military leadership, Putin rejected the US-led peace proposals for the war in Ukraine, insisting that Moscow would expand its military "gains" if diplomatic demands were not met. Using provocative language, the Russian leader claimed that European "elites" had hoped to feast on Russia’s downfall following the invasion of February 2022. He further stated that dialogue with current European leaders remains unlikely, as he claimed the continent has moved from civilization toward "total degradation."

Strategic nuclear forces reach 92% modernization

Putin praised the technological advancements of the Russian military, asserting that 92% of the country's nuclear forces have now been modernized. He claimed that no other nuclear power possesses such a high level of advanced strategic weaponry. A key highlight of his speech was the announcement that the "Oreshnik" intermediate-range ballistic missile, which can carry nuclear warheads, will enter formal combat duty this month. Putin maintained that these new weapons systems are currently impossible to intercept.

Stance on the Ukraine conflict and Western diplomacy

The Russian President reiterated that the conflict in Ukraine would continue unless the "root causes"—including Ukraine’s NATO ambitions and the status of ethnic Russians—were addressed through Moscow's terms. While stating that Russia remains open to substantive dialogue, Putin emphasized that the military route would be used to secure "historic territories" if diplomacy fails. He noted that while Russia is in contact with the US administration, a return to dialogue with Europe would likely require a change in the European political establishment.

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