Putin Warns Europe of Grave Consequences Amid Discord in Peace Talks.

Russian President Vladimir Putin met with the press following his address at the VTB Investment Forum in Moscow on December 2, 2025. During his speech, Putin delivered a stern warning to Europe, asserting that Russia is prepared for military conflict if hostilities arise. While emphasizing that he does not seek war, he stated that if Europe suddenly decides to initiate conflict, we are ready immediately, and warned that any aggressive move could result in a situation where there wont be anyone to negotiate with.

Putin also criticized European nations supporting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, accusing them of obstructing U.S.-led negotiations and presenting demands that are completely unacceptable to Russia. He claimed European governments lack a peaceful agenda.

Later on the same day, Putin met with U.S. officials, including Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and former President Donald Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner, at the Kremlin to discuss a Russia-Ukraine peace plan. Accompanied by Kremlin economic envoy Kirill Dmitriev and aide Yuri Ushakov, Putin arrived late for the meeting, which lasted nearly five hours. Dmitriev described the talks as productive, and Ushakov called them constructive and substantive, while noting that significant work remains, particularly regarding territorial disputes, and that no compromise has yet been reached.

This meeting follows the leak of the Trump Administrations 28-point peace proposal in November, which was criticized by Zelensky and European allies for calling on Ukraine to reduce its military and make substantial land concessions. Subsequent discussions in Geneva and Florida, led by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Ukraines new negotiator Rustem Umerov, have refined the plan, though details remain confidential. Rubio noted that Russia must be part of the process and that both sides will need to make difficult concessions.

European allies have strongly opposed any Ukrainian territorial concessions, warning that yielding land would reward Russian aggression. Kaja Kallas, the EU high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, emphasized that Russia initiated and continues the conflict, and pressuring Ukraine to surrender could have serious consequences.

Putins statements on Tuesday reflected his earlier position that negotiating peace is futile under Zelenskys leadership. Celebrating Russias military gains, he declared that combat operations would continue unless Ukrainian forces withdraw from the territories Moscow claims, directly conflicting with Zelenskys commitment not to cede land. Past attempts at dialogue, including a summit in Alaska with Trump, have failed to produce agreements, with critics suggesting Putin gained leverage from these encounters.

Despite new sanctions imposed by the U.S. and EU in October, Russia has largely dismissed them, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova asserting that the country is resilient to Western economic measures. Zelensky continues to receive support from Europe, but unresolved issues regarding territorial concessions and future security guarantees remain. He has stated that he is awaiting updates from the U.S. delegation and will consider meetings with American officials based on those outcomes.

Author: Sophia Brooks