Kremlin Calls EU Defense Policy Seeking 'Confrontation' With Russia a 'Dead End'

The Kremlin said a European Union defense policy aimed at "confrontation" with Russia represents a "dead end," with spokesman Dmitry Peskov commenting as France carried out a test of a new ballistic missile.

Peskov said Russia remains vigilant and is closely monitoring the situation amid what he characterized as increasingly "aggressive rhetoric" from European governments toward Moscow. His remarks reflect a recurring Kremlin position that frames Western and EU defense initiatives, including increased military spending and arms development, as destabilizing rather than defensive in nature.

France's ballistic missile test comes amid a broader push among European governments to strengthen independent defense and deterrence capabilities, a trend that has accelerated since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. European officials have generally framed such efforts as necessary responses to a deteriorating security environment on the continent, rather than provocations aimed at Russia.

Russian officials have repeatedly criticized European rearmament and defense policy discussions, arguing that such moves raise rather than reduce the risk of broader conflict. The Kremlin has also periodically accused European governments of adopting a more confrontational posture toward Moscow as the war in Ukraine has continued without a comprehensive settlement.

Tensions between Russia and European governments have remained elevated over issues including military aid to Ukraine, sanctions, and broader questions about the future security architecture of Europe. Peskov's comments add to a long-running exchange of rhetoric between Moscow and European capitals over how each side characterizes the other's defense posture.

Neither French nor EU officials had issued an immediate public response to Peskov's remarks at the time of the report.