Putin Asserts Russia’s Readiness if Europe Seeks “War”
Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that he does not desire war with Europe. However, he is ready to respond if Europeans decide to provoke conflict. His comments were made just before consultations with American envoy Steve Witkoff in Moscow.
Putin’s Stance on European Relations
During a press briefing, Putin emphasized that Russia is prepared for any escalation initiated by Europe. He accused European nations of hindering American efforts aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. According to Putin, the Europeans are upset about being excluded from negotiations. He suggested that this exclusion was a result of their own actions.
Call for Realism from European Leaders
Putin urged European leaders to abandon the notion that they can achieve a strategic defeat for Russia. He stressed the importance of grounding their policies based on the actual situation at hand.
Upcoming Meetings
This meeting with Witkoff and Jared Kushner, son-in-law of former President Donald Trump, is significant. It focuses on Washington’s recent plan to end the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which was presented two weeks ago and is currently under negotiation with Ukrainian officials.
Military Actions and Threats
In addition to diplomatic discussions, Putin announced that Russia will expand its military response against ships entering Ukrainian ports. This statement follows Kiev’s recent attacks on two Moscow-linked tankers in Turkish territorial waters in the Black Sea. Putin warned that retaliation measures would target vessels from countries supporting Ukraine.
- Key Events:
- Putin asserts readiness for war if provoked by Europe.
- Consultations with American envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
- Announcement of expanded military action against ships entering Ukraine.
Overall, Putin’s remarks reflect a tense geopolitical climate and highlight the complexities of the current European-Russian relations in the context of the Ukraine conflict.