Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday that Russia is ready for war if Europe chooses to begin one. He accused European governments of working against US efforts to reach a peaceful settlement in Ukraine.

His statement came just before he met US special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner in Moscow. The talks are seen as a key step in attempts to end the war in Ukraine, which has continued for almost four years.

“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 in Moscow.

He claimed that European leaders are not interested in peace. “They have no peaceful agenda, they are on the side of war,” he added.

Putin repeated his belief that European governments are blocking Washington’s attempts to finalise a peace agreement.

Focus Turns to High-Level US-Russia Talks

The meeting between Putin and the US envoys is part of ongoing efforts by the Trump administration to broker a deal between Russia and Ukraine. These talks come at a tense moment, as fighting continues and diplomatic pressure increases on all sides.

The US has shared a detailed peace plan with the aim of stopping the conflict and finding a political solution.

Putin Criticises Changes to Peace Proposal

Putin strongly criticised the changes suggested by European leaders to the US peace plan. He said the amendments serve only one purpose.

According to him, the modifications aimed solely at one thing to completely block the entire peace process and put forward demands that are absolutely unacceptable for Russia.

Washington reportedly circulated a 28-point draft designed to end the conflict. However, the plan was later revised after objections from Ukraine and several European countries.

Europe’s concerns centred on the belief that the original version gave Russia too many advantages, especially when it came to questions of territory.

Europe Rejects Any “Unfair Peace” for Ukraine

European leaders have made it clear that they do not support any deal that forces Ukraine to accept unfair conditions. They have warned that Kyiv should not be pressured into agreeing to terms that would heavily favour Moscow.

They continue to stress that any future peace agreement must be just and must respect Ukraine’s rights and sovereignty.

Growing Tensions Over the Path to Peace

Putin’s comments have added to growing tensions between Russia and Europe. While Russia claims it is open to talks, it has made clear that it will not accept changes that go against its interests.

At the same time, Europe remains firm that Ukraine should not be forced into a settlement that weakens its position.

As the US pushes forward with its peace plan, all eyes are now on the outcome of the talks in Moscow and whether they can move the situation any closer to an end to the war.