Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that Moscow is fully prepared to respond militarily if European nations decide to initiate conflict with Russia. The statement came as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy awaited updates from U.S. negotiators meeting in Moscow on a possible peace framework.
Putin made the remarks on Tuesday, December 2, following an investment forum in the Russian capital. He accused European governments of abandoning efforts for peace in Ukraine and pursuing demands he described as unacceptable to the Kremlin.
“We are not preparing to go to war with Europe. I have said that many times,” Putin told reporters. “But if Europe wants to fight and starts such a war, we are ready immediately. There should be no doubt about this.”
The Russian leader cautioned that any European attempt to launch a conflict could quickly escalate to a point where dialogue would no longer be possible.
Putin further alleged that European officials are obstructing peace efforts by the United States and former U.S. President Donald Trump. He also claimed that the Russian military has taken full control of the city of Pokrovsk, a claim Ukrainian authorities have rejected.
Addressing recent strikes on Russian tankers, Putin labeled the attacks “piracy” and said Russia would respond by intensifying strikes on Ukrainian ports and vessels.
Meanwhile, in Dublin, Zelenskyy said he remains willing to meet Trump again, depending on how negotiations in Moscow progress. Trump’s representatives, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, are currently in talks with Putin on Washington’s proposed roadmap to end the conflict.
The Ukrainian president made the comments during his first official visit to Ireland, standing alongside Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin. Zelenskyy said prospects for ending the war are “better now than ever,” but warned that tough decisions lie ahead and that no agreements should be made “behind Ukraine’s back.”
Calling the current moment one of the most difficult yet hopeful since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, Zelenskyy said the United States “is taking serious steps to end this war one way or another.” He acknowledged that several issues remain unresolved and emphasized the need for a “fair and dignified peace.”