In his May 9 press conference after the Victory Day celebrations, Russia President Vladimir Putin did not mince words about the dangers from Europe, or the growth of the revanchist tendencies in Germany and other European capitals. At the same time, he noted the various signals coming from Europe with regard to their growing need to establish some sort of productive contact with Russia.
Putin responded to one reporter, who asked about the increasing provocations coming through the Baltic region, indicating specific strikes having been made deep in Russia, some of which came through Baltic airspace. He asked if Russia should not expand its “buffer zones” in Ukraine. Putin replied, “You have answered your own question. Our objective is to ensure that no one can threaten Russia. That is what we will continue to pursue.