Putin Warns Europe of War Readiness Amid Stalled Ukraine Peace Talks
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Russian President Vladimir Putin recently issued a stark warning to European nations, stating, "If Europe wants war, we are ready," amid stalled peace negotiations concerning Ukraine. This statement reflects the heightened tensions surrounding the ongoing conflict, which continues to threaten European security.
Following a five-hour meeting between Putin and U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff, alongside Jared Kushner, the discussions yielded no significant progress toward a peace deal for Ukraine, according to Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov.
He described the talks as "constructive and very useful," but underscored that major issues, particularly concerning territorial control, remain unresolved. The U.S. had previously proposed a 28-point peace plan, which has faced criticism for being overly favorable to Russia.
Some adjustments were made, resulting in a revised proposal that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described as improved but still not finalized. Zelenskyy has emphasized the necessity for enforceable security guarantees to protect Ukraine from future aggressions.
In a combative tone, Putin accused European powers of obstructing peace efforts, stating that their demands were unacceptable to Russia. He also indicated that Russia is prepared to escalate military actions if provoked, highlighting his assertion that Europe is on the side of war.
The meeting's outcome has raised skepticism about the U.S.'s ability to mediate effectively, especially given the conflicting demands from Russia and Ukraine. While U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio mentioned some progress on security guarantees, the lack of consensus over key territorial issues remains a critical hurdle.
The diplomatic environment is further complicated by Putin's claim of recent military successes in Ukraine, including the capture of the strategic city of Pokrovsk, although Ukrainian officials disputed this assertion.
As the situation develops, both sides appear entrenched in their positions, indicating that the path to a peaceful resolution will require substantial further negotiations.