Afghanistan, March 22 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered one of his most provocative speeches in recent months, sharply criticizing NATO and the European Union, warning that any war against Russia would be catastrophic and met with a "lightning-fast" and "destructive" response. His comments, delivered during a nationally televised address, come amid renewed tensions and fragile peace talks surrounding the war in Ukraine.
"Today, once again, we hear voices in the European Union and NATO calling for war against Russia," Putin declared. "Their goal has never changed. Some of our so-called Western partners have always harbored hatred towards Russia-towards everything Russian. They dream of destroying or occupying our nation."
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