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Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered a warning to Europe on Tuesday, saying his country is “ready” for war, should a new conflict erupt. Speaking to reporters at an investment forum in Moscow, Putin said he has no intentions of going to “war” with Europe, but “if Europe suddenly wants to wage a war with us and starts it, we are ready right away.”
He went on to say that if Europe were to start a conflict with Russia, it could well result in “a situation in which there won’t be anyone to negotiate with.”
The Russian leader also took aim at Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s European allies, who have voiced their support in helping Kyiv achieve a dignified peace deal. Accusing Europe of hindering the U.S.-led peace proposal talks, Putin claimed Zelensky’s allies have pushed for demands that are “absolutely unacceptable” to Russia and have blocked the “entire peace process.” He doubled down on his assessment, arguing that Europeans have “no peaceful agenda.”
Putin made the comments as a U.S. delegation led by President Donald Trump’s Special Envoy Steve Witkoff waited for him in another part of Moscow to hold talks regarding the details surrounding a Russia-Ukraine peace plan. Putin, who is famed for being tardy to meetings with world leaders and representatives, arrived late in the evening for the sit-down, which also included Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner. After exchanging pleasantries and formalities, the group instructed cameras to leave so that the closed-door meeting could begin. As of 1.45 p.m. ET—9.45 p.m. in Russia—the discussions were still underway.
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