Putin Slams NATO War Warnings as 'Hysteria', Defends Ukraine Stance

• Putin dismissed NATO's warnings of a major war with Russia as "hysteria" and "a lie."
• He accused Western leaders of intentionally fuelling fear to justify increased defense spending.
• NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte urged members to prepare for a WWII-scale conflict, warning Russia is the "next target."
• Rutte called for rapid boosts in defense spending and military production to deter future conflict.
• Putin affirmed Russia's commitment to achieving its "special military operation" goals in Ukraine, threatening annexation if diplomacy fails.

Why It Matters: Putin rejects Western war fears as propaganda, while reaffirming Russia's Ukraine objectives.