Putin warns Europe: if you want war, then Russia will defeat you

Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that Moscow is ready for a war with Europe “right now” if European states initiate one, issuing the statement shortly before meeting U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. His comments come as Washington increases diplomatic efforts to advance negotiations aimed at ending Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Putin accused European governments of obstructing U.S. President Donald Trump’s attempts to pursue a settlement, claiming they “live under illusions” of inflicting a strategic defeat on Russia. He argued that Europe “has no peaceful agenda” and “is on the side of war,” pointing to ongoing military assistance to Ukraine and peace proposals that Moscow views as unfavourable.

According to Putin, European leaders are deliberately modifying U.S. proposals in ways that undermine any potential agreement. “All these changes are aimed at only one thing: to completely block the entire peace process,” he said.

The remarks reflect a broader pattern in Russia’s messaging, as the Kremlin escalates hybrid pressure on European governments while portraying itself as ready for confrontation.

via Reuters / The Kyiv Independent