2026-10-26 21:55:15Kosova&Bota SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX
Vladimir Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin has dismissed claims that Moscow is instigating mass protests in major European cities, calling them a "clear exaggeration".

In an interview with Russian broadcaster VGTRK, published on Sunday, Putin said he was surprised by the fact that the initial reactions of some European circles to the protests were not directed against Russia, but against the United States.

According to him, initially claims were raised that developments in Europe were related to the policies of the current American administration and the support it gives to right-wing parties and movements.

The Kremlin chief described this reaction as unexpected, stressing that he had not expected European leaders to criticize the US, which he described as their main ally and protector in military terms.

However, according to Putin, the accusations then focused again on Russia, in a pattern that he considers recurring in relations between Moscow and Western countries.

"Russia has always been accused of all possible sins," the Russian president declared, adding that the claims of inciting mass protests in European cities are exaggerated and that this can be understood even by ordinary citizens.

Putin also criticized European leaders, claiming that the accusations against Russia reflect their weakness and inability to take responsibility for developments in their countries.

According to him, instead of analyzing the causes of the protests and seeking solutions, some political leaders choose to attribute responsibility to external actors, first the US and then Russia.

Meanwhile, nationwide student protests have been ongoing in France for several weeks. On October 21, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot stated during a conference organized by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) that protesters are using hostile narratives that, according to him, come from Russia, China, Iran and the MAGA community.

On the other hand, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov described these claims on October 19 as absurd accusations, which, according to him, should not be taken seriously.

US President Donald Trump, meanwhile, has linked the unrest to mass migration.


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