Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday said Russia was “ready” for war if Europe sought one, and further accused European leaders of undermining US-led efforts to finalize a peace plan for the Ukraine conflict. His remarks came ahead of a crucial meeting in Moscow with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who are holding high-level talks aimed at ending the nearly four-year-old war.
“We are not planning to go to war with Europe, but if Europe wants to and starts, we are ready right now,” Putin told reporters in Moscow, according to news agency AFP.
“They have no peaceful agenda; they are on the side of war,” he said, reiterating his claim that European governments were obstructing Washington’s attempts to secure a settlement.
Putin’s Criticized European Proposed amendments to former President Donald Trump’s latest peace outline, saying the modifications were “aimed solely at one thing – to completely block the entire peace process and put forward demands that are absolutely unacceptable for Russia.”
Washington circulated a 28-point draft plan to end the conflict, which was later revised after objections from Kyiv and European capitals. The amendments were made after critics in Europe argued that the initial version conceded too much to Moscow, particularly on territorial issues.
Unfair Peace
European leaders have repeatedly stated that no “unfair peace” should be imposed on Ukraine, warning that Kyiv must not be pressured into accepting terms favorable to Russia.
Putin argued that European countries are putting forward demands related to the conflict that Russia cannot accept. He further accused Europe of obstructing initiatives by the United States and President Donald Trump to pursue a negotiated settlement.
According to Putin, “They are on the side of war,” referring to European positions on the conflict.
His remarks come as US envoy Steve Witkoff and presidential adviser Jared Kushner meet in Moscow to discuss potential steps to end nearly 4 years of fighting.
Washington has circulated a 28-point peace proposal that was revised after pushback from Kyiv and European capitals, which criticised the initial draft for appearing too accommodating to Moscow’s conditions.
European governments have voiced concerns that any peace structure could pressure Ukraine to give up territory currently under Russian control. Putin also announced plans for a stronger military response, saying Russia would intensify attacks on Ukrainian ports and vessels after recent incidents at sea.
He described strikes on Russian tankers as “piracy.” He added, “The most radical solution is to cut Ukraine off from the sea, then piracy will be impossible in principle.”
Drone Attack on two sanctioned Tankers
Earlier, a Ukrainian security official said naval drones targeted two sanctioned tankers in the Black Sea as they sailed toward a Russian port to load oil for export. On Tuesday, a Russian-flagged tanker carrying sunflower oil reported being struck by a drone off Turkey’s coast, with all 13 crew members unharmed, according to Turkey’s maritime authority and the Tribeca shipping agency.Ukraine denied involvement in that incident.
Ukraine has previously conducted missile and drone attacks on the Russian Black Sea port of Novorossiysk, causing disruptions to oil shipping operations. ( with inputs from ANI)
