Smarting Putin says NATO is the 'paper tiger' as he accuses Europe of 'hysteria'

Vladimir Putin says NATO is a "paper tiger" as he claimed the alliance is already at war with Russia. The Russian leader claimed Moscow does not want conflict with the West as he accused Europe of creating "hysteria".

Donald Trump has described Russia and its president as a "paper tiger" - a phrase used to describe something that appears threatening but is not - and said the Kremlin's forces had been "fighting aimlessly" in Ukraine. Speaking at the Valadai Discussion Club in Sochi, Mr Putin hit back at the comments and told the West to "take care of your own problems". In response to a question about the US President's claims, Mr Putin said: "If we are comfortable being at war with the whole NATO bloc, but we're a paper tiger, then what is NATO?"

He claimed talk of Russia attacking the military alliance as "unbelievable nonsense" and "impossible to believe", however did send a pointed message to any adversaries.

"If anyone still has a desire to compete with us in the military sphere, as we say, feel free, let them try," he said.

"Russia's countermeasures will not be long in coming."

Mr Putin also accused NATO nations of having a direct role in the Ukraine war.

"All NATO countries have been waging war against us... there are instructors, who unfortunately, actually participate in the hostilities," he claimed, without providing evidence.

Mr Putin also looked to play down European concerns of the Russian threat, claiming the "elites of united Europe" are trying to "whip up hysteria".

"It turns out that war with the Russians is almost on the threshold. They repeat this nonsense, this mantra over and over again."

"Genuinely, I just want to say: cool down, sleep calmly, and take care of your own problems. Just take a look at what's happening on the streets of European cities," he added.

The Russian leader also said Moscow would have a "quite convincing response" to "dangerous" European "militarisation".

His comments come after European countries including Denmark, Norway and Germany have reported drone sightings over critical infrastructure, including military sites, since last week.

Russia has been viewed as the prime suspects for the incidents which have caused disruption but denies having any involvement.

Russian forces continue to launch mass aerial attacks on Ukraine, with no sign of a breakthrough in US-led peace talks.