By Dmitry Antonov MOSCOW, Dec 9 (Reuters) - The Kremlin said on Tuesday that European claims that Russian President Vladimir Putin wanted to restore the Soviet Union were wrong and that claims Putin plans to invade a NATO member were complete stupidity.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said his nation is "ready to defend every patch of our land."

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on Thursday delivered dire warnings about Russian President Vladimir Putin and the growing threat of war that Europe faces from the Kremlin. Why it matters: Rutte warned that Putin won't stop his aggression with Ukraine and could look to attack NATO countries within five years.

A DRONE plunges into icy Baltic waters from a snow-flecked warship – with a mission to head for the seabed and inspect for signs of sinister activity. Tanks may not be storming the borders

The Russian leader's remarks come as tensions remain high with NATO countries amid the ongoing Ukraine war.