Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that Moscow is “ready” for war if Europe seeks confrontation, accusing European leaders of undermining a proposed peace plan put forward by the United States to end the nearly four-year conflict in Ukraine.
Putin made the comments on Tuesday in Moscow as US envoy Steve Witkoff and President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner arrived in the Russian capital for high-stakes talks aimed at finalising a negotiated settlement.
“We are not planning to go to war with Europe, but if Europe wants to and starts, we are ready right now,” Putin told reporters.
“They have no peaceful agenda; they are on the side of war,” he added, repeating his accusation that European governments are obstructing US diplomatic efforts.
Tensions Over Trump’s 28-Point Peace Proposal
The United States has drafted a 28-point framework intended to end the conflict, but the plan has drawn fierce criticism from Kyiv and several European capitals, who argue it leans too heavily toward Russia’s demands — especially regarding territory.
According to Putin, European amendments to the plan were designed “solely to block the entire peace process and put forward demands that are absolutely unacceptable for Russia.”
European leaders, however, have insisted that no peace agreement should force Ukraine into concessions that reward Russian aggression.
US Envoys Push for Breakthrough
Witkoff and Kushner’s visit follows intensified shuttle diplomacy as Washington attempts to secure agreement from both Moscow and Kyiv.
Trump has made the peace deal a central foreign-policy priority, but European officials fear the proposal could pressure Ukraine into compromising its sovereignty.
Negotiations are expected to continue this week as the US delegation seeks approval from both sides
