Putin declares Russia prepared for conflict with Europe

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on Tuesday that the country is prepared to engage in hostilities with European nations if provoked, while stressing that Moscow does not seek war. He criticized European countries for presenting what he described as "entirely unacceptable" conditions for a potential peace agreement regarding Ukraine.

"If Europe chooses confrontation, we are ready immediately," Putin stated, intensifying his warnings toward European governments.

He further claimed that European leaders have "withdrawn from meaningful peace discussions," obstructing efforts by the U.S. administration to negotiate a resolution. "Europe has abandoned a peaceful approach; they are aligned with conflict," Putin added.

Addressing the situation in Ukraine, Putin pointed to the city of Pokrovsk, calling it "a crucial position for achieving our objectives" and asserting that it is now "fully under Russian military control," a claim that Ukrainian officials have disputed.

Author: Logan Reeves