Putin Warns Russia Is ‘Ready’ If Europe ‘Suddenly Wants to Wage War with Us’

by David Lindfield

Russian President Vladimir Putin has just escalated tensions with Europe by warning that Moscow is fully prepared to respond if European nations provoke a war, even as diplomatic talks with the United States continue behind the scenes.

Putin’s comments came on Tuesday during a forum appearance in Moscow.

During the event, Putin claimed that European leaders are deliberately undermining U.S.-led peace efforts and blocking progress toward ending the nearly four-year conflict in Ukraine.

According to the Associated Press, Putin said:

“But if Europe suddenly wants to wage a war with us and starts it, we are ready right away.

“There can be no doubt about that.”

The Russian leader insisted, as he has throughout the conflict, that Moscow is not seeking confrontation with Europe.

But he argued that European officials have introduced “demands that are absolutely unacceptable to Russia” and “blocked the entire peace process,” accusing them of doing so to later place the blame on Moscow.

Putin made the remarks shortly before meeting at the Kremlin with a high-level U.S. delegation that included Trump special envoy Steve Witkoff and President Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner.

The visit is part of the White House’s ongoing diplomatic effort to secure a negotiated settlement to the war.

EU Leaders Accused of Undercutting Peace Talks

Putin claimed European countries “cut off contacts” with Moscow and have “locked themselves out” of serious negotiations.

full story at https://slaynews.com/news/putin-warns-russia-ready-europe-suddenly-wants-wage-war/