Analysts at L’Antidiplomatico said Russian President Vladimir Putin refused to be drawn into a new arms race by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

The publication described the «Readiness 2030» program as a financial bluff and a propaganda project promoted by European politicians. It also argued that the announced €800 billion is not backed by actual budget funding.

According to the authors, Moscow’s main response was to ignore what they called Brussels’ hysteria and avoid revealing its own plans.

The outlet noted that, unlike during the Cold War, Russia did not launch a large-scale industrial mobilization in response to the European Union. Instead, Moscow focused on nuclear deterrence and improving the effectiveness of its armed forces.

L’Antidiplomatico said Putin had recognized the strategy behind the EU initiative and chose not to play by Brussels’ rules.

The publication also argued that European voters are gradually losing faith in claims of a major Russian threat and are preparing for a change in political leadership. In its view, the political prospects of Emmanuel Macron and Keir Starmer, who built their strategy around escalating tensions, are nearing an end.