Putin Denies Russia's Involvement in European Protests

Russian President Vladimir Putin has denied accusations that Russia is behind mass protests in major European cities, calling them a "clear overkill.", Turkey's state-run news agency Anadolu Agency reported.

Putin expressed surprise at the initial reaction in Europe, where protests were initially blamed on the US administration's support for right-wing parties and movements.

He found it "strange and completely unexpected" that European leaders would criticize their main ally, the US.

However, Putin noted that European leaders quickly shifted their accusations to Russia, which he said was predictable.

The Russian president added that claims of Moscow provoking mass demonstrations are an obvious exaggeration, even to ordinary European citizens.

"My first reaction when I saw this was surprise, because to say that we are provoking mass protests in major European cities is a clear overkill," he said.

Putin attributed these accusations to the "weakness and inability of some leaders in European countries to take responsibility for what is happening."

He criticized them for not analyzing events and their causes, but instead shifting blame onto others, first the US and now Russia.

Nationwide student protests have been ongoing in France for several weeks, with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot accusing protesters of using "hostile narratives" from Russia, China, Iran, and the MAGA community.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov previously dismissed these "absurd accusations," while US President Donald Trump had blamed the unrest on mass migration.

Background The protests in France and other European countries have been driven by various factors, including economic concerns, environmental issues, and social inequality.

These protests have drawn significant attention globally, with many leaders and observers weighing in on their causes and consequences, and Russia's role in them.