Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday that Russia is prepared to confront Europe “immediately” if European states initiate a conflict. The comments were delivered in Moscow at the VTB “Russia Calling” Investment Forum, just hours before talks with U.S. President Donald Trump’s envoys on a potential peace plan for Ukraine.
Putin simultaneously accused European capitals of obstructing U.S. diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the nearly four-year-old war. According to the Russian leader, peace proposals put forward by European governments contain conditions “completely unacceptable for Russia” and in practice make a settlement harder to achieve.
“We are not planning a war with Europe, but if Europe wants one and starts it, we are ready right now,” Putin said, adding that, in his view, European leaders “have no peace agenda — they take the side of war.”
Talks in Moscow With Trump’s Envoys
A few hours after the forum appearance, Putin met in Moscow with Steve Witkoff, President Trump’s special envoy, and Jared Kushner, the U.S. president’s son-in-law and senior adviser. The consultations are meant to discuss Washington’s revised peace proposal concerning Ukraine’s future.
According to media reports, the U.S. plan includes significant territorial concessions to Russia and limitations on Ukraine’s defensive capabilities — terms opposed both by Kyiv and by several European allies. European governments are seeking changes to the proposal over concerns that excessive concessions to Moscow could entrench Russia’s gains and undermine regional security.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is in Ireland on Tuesday, seeking to preserve Europe’s political and financial support. The Irish government announced an additional €125 million aid package and reaffirmed its backing for Ukraine’s EU accession.
Threats to Cut Ukraine Off From the Black Sea
During his remarks, Putin sharply criticized recent Ukrainian maritime-drone attacks on Russian tankers in the Black Sea, describing them as “piracy.” He claimed that Russian vessels from the so-called “shadow fleet,” used to ship sanctioned oil, had become targets of “terrorist” actions by Kyiv.
The Russian leader warned of the possibility of “the most far-reaching response,” including cutting Ukraine off from the sea entirely. “The most radical solution would be to deprive Ukraine of access to the Black Sea — then piracy would, by definition, become impossible,” Putin said, adding that Russia would intensify strikes on Ukrainian ports, maritime infrastructure, and vessels bound for Ukrainian harbors.
Tensions in the Black Sea escalated after maritime-drone attacks on November 28 damaged two Russian-flagged, sanctions-hit tankers — the Kairos and Virat — which were heading to Russian ports to load crude for export. Separately, Turkey reported a drone strike on a Russian-flagged tanker carrying sunflower oil near its coast; Ukraine denied any involvement.
Growing Concerns Over Europe’s Security
Putin’s remarks come amid a rising number of incidents that European governments describe as part of Russia’s ongoing “hybrid warfare” — from cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns to attempted sabotage of energy and transport infrastructure, as well as drone intrusions into NATO airspace.
Last week, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul warned that, according to the latest intelligence assessments, Russia is “at least creating the capability” to launch an attack on a NATO country by 2029. He stressed that Moscow is subordinating its economy and society to wartime preparedness while expanding offensive capabilities aimed at the Alliance.
At the same time, NATO Military Committee Chairman Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone said the Alliance is considering shifting away from a purely reactive posture toward Russian hybrid activity and adopting a more “proactive” approach — potentially including limited, preventive operations in cyberspace or at sea. His remarks provoked a sharp response from Moscow, which called them “extremely irresponsible” and accused NATO of seeking escalation.
Context: Pressure Ahead of Key Talks on Ukraine
Analysts believe Putin’s tougher rhetoric toward Europe and threats against Ukraine are intended to strengthen the Kremlin’s negotiating position ahead of discussions with U.S. envoys. Moscow is attempting to frame European governments as the ones blocking a quick end to the war through their amendments to the U.S. plan, while EU states fear a settlement crafted over Kyiv’s head — at the expense of Ukrainian territory and European security.
For Kyiv, the stakes include not only the terms of a future peace deal but also the preservation of Black Sea export routes and the continuation of long-term military and financial support from the West. For European capitals, the central question is whether a ceasefire on Moscow’s terms would bring stability or serve as a prelude to another round of confrontation with Russia in the coming years.
Source: CEO.com.pl – Putin warns Europe: If Europe wants a war, we are ready.
