Answering a sharp question from a UK reporter about repression, war and Russia’s future, Vladimir Putin defended Moscow’s “foreign agent” law as softer than Western versions and brushed off a lawsuit against the BBC as Trump’s “family business.” He then insisted new “special military operations” are unnecessary “if you treat us with respect” and stop “deceiving” Russia over NATO expansion, accusing Western leaders of using an “evil Russia” narrative to hide economic failures. Citing Russia’s economic rank and Germany’s Helmut Kohl, he argued Europe should partner with Moscow, not “fight us through Ukrainian nationalists,” and said Russia is ready to halt combat if its long-term security is guaranteed.