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New Delhi: Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered a fiery warning on Tuesday, declaring Moscow's readiness for conflict if Europe chooses such a path. Speaking at a high-profile investment forum in Moscow, Putin launched a scathing critique of European leaders, accusing them of abandoning a peaceful approach to the Ukraine conflict and actively backing continued hostilities.
"We are not planning to go to war with Europe, but if Europe wants to and starts, we are ready right now," Putin said.
Demands regarding Ukraine conflict unacceptable
The Russian leader claimed that European governments are making demands regarding the Ukraine conflict that Moscow finds utterly unacceptable. He further accused them of deliberately obstructing efforts by the United States, and specifically President Donald Trump, to push for a negotiated settlement to the nearly four-year-old war. "They are on the side of war," Putin asserted, pointing the finger directly at European powers.
These provocative comments came as a high-stakes diplomatic mission unfolded concurrently in Moscow, with US envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, engaged in talks aimed at de-escalating the conflict.
Why US's proposal faced significant criticism from Kyiv?
Washington has reportedly presented a 28-point draft plan to end the hostilities. However, this proposal has faced significant criticism from both Kyiv and various European nations, who view it as leaning too heavily towards Russia's maximalist demands. Europe, in particular, harbours fears that the Trump-championed plan risks coercing Kyiv into making unacceptable territorial concessions to Russia.
Beyond the rhetorical battleground, Putin also vowed a tangible escalation of military action in response to recent maritime incidents. He announced that Moscow would expand its strikes on Ukrainian ports and vessels, describing the targeting of Russian tankers as "piracy."
"The most radical solution is to cut Ukraine off from the sea, then piracy will be impossible in principle," Putin declared, hinting at a potentially drastic increase in naval blockades or attacks.
Ukraine intensifies attack in Black Sea
This threat follows a series of notable incidents in the Black Sea. Just last Saturday, a Ukrainian security official confirmed that Ukrainian naval drones had successfully struck two sanctioned tankers in the Black Sea. These vessels were reportedly en route to a Russian port to load oil destined for foreign markets.
More recently, on Tuesday, a Russian-flagged tanker, reportedly laden with sunflower oil, reported a drone attack off the Turkish coast. While the vessel sustained damage, all 13 crew members were confirmed unharmed, according to Turkey’s maritime authority and the Tribeca shipping agency. Ukraine, however, has denied any involvement in this specific incident.
