If Europe Wants War, We’re Prepared: Putin Issues Stark Warning

Moscow: Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday gave one of the sharpest warnings ever to European countries. He said that if Europe wanted to impose war on Russia, “Russia is immediately ready.” This statement came at a time when the US delegation had reached Moscow to discuss the Trump administration's new Ukraine peace plan.

Putin made the comments at an investment forum in Moscow after he met with US envoy Steve Witkoff and presidential adviser Jared Kushner in the Kremlin. This statement has been given at a time when diplomatic talks between America, Ukraine, and European countries are increasing rapidly.

Why did Putin suddenly give such a strict warning?

Putin reiterated that Russia has no plans to attack Europe but said that if Europe started a war, Russia would not delay in responding. “If Europe wants to fight us and starts a war, we are ready,” he said. European countries are already worried that after Ukraine, Russia may also challenge their security. Their doubts have deepened after incidents of drone intrusion, airspace violation, and suspected sabotage.

European countries have spent billions on arms, energy support and humanitarian aid since Russia's all-out invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Why is Putin accusing Europe of spoiling the peace process?

Putin says European countries are disrupting the US-led peace process. He accused the European proposals of adding conditions that were “completely unacceptable” to Russia, and by doing so, they sought to sabotage the entire peace effort. "They have no peace agenda. They are in favor of war," Putin said.

For what purpose did the American delegation reach Moscow?

Putin welcomed Witkoff and Kushner inside the Kremlin. Witkoff praised Moscow, saying he took a “beautiful walk” through the city before the meeting. This visit is taking place at a time when the Trump administration is busy preparing a revised draft of its Ukraine peace plan. Ukraine and Europe had objected to the first draft, saying the proposal was more tilted towards Russia's interests.

How much has changed in the new US peace plan?

Trump's 28-point plan was reduced to 20 points at a meeting of US and Ukrainian officials in Florida on Sunday. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the discussions were productive, but “much work remains.” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the new draft is based on a document earlier made in Geneva and has been "finalized."

Why does Europe not want to be left out of the process?

Ukrainian diplomats said it was important to involve European countries in decisions, as Russia was trying to divide Western countries by spreading misinformation. European leaders were also increasingly displeased that they were not given a significant role in the original American proposal, whereas Europe would have the primary responsibility for implementation and funding of any peace agreement.