Putin accuses NATO of entering 'historical Russian territories', signals imperial ambitions

Putin blames NATO for expansion into what he terms 'historical territories of Russia' and alleges plans for bases there, reiterating a goal of restoring the Russian empire to USSR-era borders. This rhetoric escalates territorial claims beyond current conflict zones, potentially signaling future pretexts for aggression. The claim is unverified and part of ongoing narrative, but marks a notable hardening of revisionist framing.