Putin: We are prepared for conflict with Europe.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that Russia is ready to confront Europe militarily, accusing European leaders of attempting to undermine peace discussions with the United States. His remarks came just hours before he met US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner at the Kremlin.

Putin criticized European amendments to a proposed peace plan for Ukraine, calling them unacceptable. The original 28-point plan, negotiated between Russia and the US, included measures such as reducing Ukraines army by half, barring the country from joining NATO, returning most frozen Russian assets to Moscow, and granting Russia full control over the Donbas regions of Donetsk and Luhansk. France described the plan as tantamount to capitulation for Ukraine.

European leaders, including Emmanuel Macron and Giorgia Meloni, objected to provisions that would make decisions on frozen Russian assets, NATO membership, and EU relations without their consent. US officials have since revised the plan to make it more acceptable to Kyiv, removing contentious clauses related to territorial concessions and NATO restrictions. However, these changes have not satisfied Putin.

Europe is offering proposals for a peace plan for Ukraine that are unacceptable to Russia, Putin said at a Moscow economic forum. He clarified that Russia has no intention of attacking European nations, but warned that if Europe initiates hostilities, Russia is prepared to respond immediately, leaving Moscow with no negotiation partners.

Putins comments appear aimed at creating tension between former President Donald Trump and European leaders. He has met with Steve Witkoff six times this year, signaling the importance of these negotiations. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized that the outcome of the US delegations meetings in Moscow will be decisive.

Following his visit to Ireland, where he advocated for peace without humiliation, Zelensky indicated that the next steps would be determined quickly depending on signals from these discussions. Key issues such as security guarantees, territorial concessions, and NATO membership remain unresolved in the latest version of the peace plan, pending direct talks between Zelensky and Trump.

Witkoff and Kushner are expected to meet Zelensky in either Dublin or Brussels after concluding talks in Moscow. The US delegation arrived at the Kremlin in a motorcade of blacked-out vehicles, marking Witkoffs sixth meeting with Putin this year. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated the negotiations would last as long as necessary.

After five hours, no agreement was reached regarding territorial issues. Putins foreign policy adviser, Yuri Ushakov, described the talks as constructive, but emphasized that no compromises had been made on territorial matters. Putin asked the US envoys to relay messages to Trump, with no immediate plans for further meetings.

Witkoff and Kushner have gained prominence in Trumps circle for their role in negotiating peace in Gaza earlier this year. They were seen in Moscow with Kirill Dmitriev, Putins lead envoy for US negotiations, highlighting a close working relationship.

Prior to traveling to Moscow, Witkoff consulted European leaders including UKs Sir Keir Starmer and Ukraines chief negotiator Rustem Umerov. Peskov noted that Russia would not discuss its red lines publicly, criticizing the use of megaphone diplomacy.

Trump expressed optimism about a potential peace settlement following talks in Florida. Putin has indicated his willingness for peace but warned that further territorial advances could occur if Ukraine refuses to make concessions. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that there is currently no consensus for Ukraine to join the alliance.

On the same day, Russia claimed control over Pokrovsk in Donetsk, a strategic location, though Ukraine denied the capture and reported ongoing fighting. Zelensky accused Russia of initiating disinformation campaigns ahead of the US talks, stressing Ukraines commitment to genuine peace and security guarantees.

Witkoffs visit followed a series of diplomatic efforts starting in October, including meetings with Dmitriev in Miami. The initial 28-point plan, seen as largely favorable to Russia, sparked criticism from Ukraine and European allies for excluding them from negotiations. Subsequently, the US and Ukraine developed a revised plan with fewer demands on Kyiv.

Author: Sophia Brooks