Kremlin Reacts to Polish Prime Minister's Call for an 'Arms Race'
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia will not participate in an arms race, choosing instead to prioritize its own interests. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
Donald Tusk has urged the European Union to enhance its military capabilities to keep pace with Russia.
In response, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that Moscow is not interested in participating in an arms race with the EU. His comments followed Tusk's call for increased military spending from the bloc.
On Wednesday, Tusk criticized Moscow for instigating a new arms race and emphasized the need for a robust response from Western Europe. “The war, the geopolitical uncertainty and the new arms race started by [Russian President Vladimir] Putin have left Europe with no choice,” he expressed on social media.
During a press conference on Thursday, Peskov expressed regret over such remarks. “They will not win against us because we will not play with them; we will be busy ensuring our own interests,” he declared.
Peskov further stated, “We regret the confrontational, even militaristic, statements coming from Warsaw and Paris, which show that Europe has yet to adjust to the new dynamic between Moscow and Washington.” However, he did not dismiss the possibility that European leaders might eventually “feel which way the wind is blowing.”
The Polish prime minister asserted that “Europe must be ready for this race, and Russia will lose it like the Soviet Union 40 years ago,” contending that the EU would be able to arm itself more rapidly than Russia.
Tusk's statements coincide with French President Emmanuel Macron's remarks made during his national address on Wednesday, where he characterized Russia as a threat to the EU. Macron called for increased defense spending across the bloc and suggested extending France’s nuclear umbrella to other EU nations.
On Tuesday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen advocated for significant increases in defense expenditures. Under the proposed 'ReArm Europe Plan', the EU would allocate approximately $840 billion for defense, which would effectively double its total military spending in 2024.
These appeals from European leaders come amidst a shift in policy from US President Donald Trump’s administration, which has encouraged European nations to take greater responsibility for their own defense, as well as support for Kiev.
Recently, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth indicated that the US plans to realign its military focus towards countering China, warning European nations not to assume that American military presence in the region would remain constant.
Moscow has dismissed claims that it represents a military threat to Europe, characterizing Macron’s comments as “highly confrontational.” Russian President Vladimir Putin has labeled Western assertions of a looming Russian attack as “nonsense,” accusing European leaders of exaggerating the threat to justify increased military spending.
Putin reiterated that Russia is not interested in entering an arms race but emphasized that Moscow would take all necessary measures to protect its security and that of its allies.
Max Fischer contributed to this report for TROIB News
In response, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that Moscow is not interested in participating in an arms race with the EU. His comments followed Tusk's call for increased military spending from the bloc.
On Wednesday, Tusk criticized Moscow for instigating a new arms race and emphasized the need for a robust response from Western Europe. “The war, the geopolitical uncertainty and the new arms race started by [Russian President Vladimir] Putin have left Europe with no choice,” he expressed on social media.
During a press conference on Thursday, Peskov expressed regret over such remarks. “They will not win against us because we will not play with them; we will be busy ensuring our own interests,” he declared.
Peskov further stated, “We regret the confrontational, even militaristic, statements coming from Warsaw and Paris, which show that Europe has yet to adjust to the new dynamic between Moscow and Washington.” However, he did not dismiss the possibility that European leaders might eventually “feel which way the wind is blowing.”
The Polish prime minister asserted that “Europe must be ready for this race, and Russia will lose it like the Soviet Union 40 years ago,” contending that the EU would be able to arm itself more rapidly than Russia.
Tusk's statements coincide with French President Emmanuel Macron's remarks made during his national address on Wednesday, where he characterized Russia as a threat to the EU. Macron called for increased defense spending across the bloc and suggested extending France’s nuclear umbrella to other EU nations.
On Tuesday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen advocated for significant increases in defense expenditures. Under the proposed 'ReArm Europe Plan', the EU would allocate approximately $840 billion for defense, which would effectively double its total military spending in 2024.
These appeals from European leaders come amidst a shift in policy from US President Donald Trump’s administration, which has encouraged European nations to take greater responsibility for their own defense, as well as support for Kiev.
Recently, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth indicated that the US plans to realign its military focus towards countering China, warning European nations not to assume that American military presence in the region would remain constant.
Moscow has dismissed claims that it represents a military threat to Europe, characterizing Macron’s comments as “highly confrontational.” Russian President Vladimir Putin has labeled Western assertions of a looming Russian attack as “nonsense,” accusing European leaders of exaggerating the threat to justify increased military spending.
Putin reiterated that Russia is not interested in entering an arms race but emphasized that Moscow would take all necessary measures to protect its security and that of its allies.
Max Fischer contributed to this report for TROIB News
