Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to deliver a series of important statements during a key meeting with the Kremlin's Security Council on Monday, September 22, 2025. According to the Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, this "operational meeting" will include permanent members of the Security Council and is scheduled for the afternoon Moscow time. The announcements come at a time of heightened tensions between Russia and NATO, which have been escalating in recent weeks. These tensions were inflamed by disputes over alleged Russian violations of the airspace of NATO countries including Estonia and Poland, which have prompted these nations to call for consultations under Article 4 of the NATO treaty, a move signaling serious security concerns.

The backdrop for Putin's statements is a fraught geopolitical environment where Moscow and NATO are edging closer to a potential direct confrontation. Russia has denied NATO's claims regarding airspace violations and demands evidence that has yet to be produced by NATO allies. Alongside this, significant developments at the United Nations General Assembly in New York are unfolding simultaneously, where leaders including the U.S. President and other Kyiv supporters are engaging in diplomatic talks. Russia’s position, as characterized by the Kremlin, is that NATO is effectively at war with Russia, even though no formal declaration of war has been made from either side. NATO’s delivery of substantial military aid to Ukraine and recent incidents such as Poland shooting down Russian drones further exacerbate the already high tensions.

In addition to addressing the current NATO-Russia tensions, Putin confirmed Russia’s intention to maintain adherence to limits set by the New START nuclear arms treaty with the United States for another year, despite the treaty’s official expiration in February 2026. The New START treaty, originally signed during the Obama and Medvedev administrations, limits deployed nuclear warheads and delivery systems between the two countries. Putin stressed that this treaty's preservation is crucial to preventing a destabilizing arms race and maintaining global security. Russia had suspended some treaty participation in 2023 in response to U.S. accusations of violations, but Putin’s reaffirmation signals Moscow’s desire to avoid further escalation in nuclear arms competition.

Putin’s public remarks during the Security Council meeting also reflected broader themes of strategic deterrence amidst the Ukraine conflict. He warned about the destructive potential of unrestricted escalation, affirming Russia’s stance on nuclear weapons use only in existential threat scenarios. The Russian position underscores caution but also a readiness to firmly defend national interests, especially in light of Ukraine’s ongoing efforts and NATO’s involvement. As international watchers focus on Putin’s statements, the outcomes of this meeting are expected to influence the trajectory of Russia’s military strategy and diplomatic posture in the coming months. The world remains attentive to how Moscow will navigate these delicate security challenges.