Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke on Thursday (October 2, 2025) at the Valdai Discussion Club, a forum of Russia experts, in the city of Sochi. He spoke in Russian, and his words are translated by Reuters.

Here are some of the main quotes:

On paper tigers

"A paper tiger. What follows then? Go and deal with this paper tiger," Mr. Putin said.

"Well if we are fighting with the entire NATO bloc, we are moving, advancing, and we feel confident, and we are a 'paper tiger', then what is NATO itself?"

On ‘hysteria’ among Europe’s leaders

"The ruling elites of united Europe continue to whip up hysteria. It turns out that war with the Russians is practically on the doorstep. They repeat this nonsense, this mantra, over and over again. ... They can't believe what they're saying, that Russi

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