Russian President Vladimir Putin looks on at Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, China, Tuesday, Sept 2, 2025.

Vladimir Putin shrugged off reports that Russia is planning to make more aggressive moves across Europe, claiming it is simply “hysteria”.

It comes as Germany and France have allegedly been upping their own defences out of fear of a clash with Russia in the near future.

French hospitals have been ordered to make preparations for a possible “major engagement” by March 2026 on Monday, while Germany has said it is “on guard” for more drills from the Russian forces.

It comes as Moscow prepares for joint military action with Belarus called “Zapad 2025” later this month.

Russia was also........

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