Putin: If Europe seeks war, Russia is ready for it

Putin asserted today that Russia is prepared for war with Europe “if Europe wants it,” accusing European states of trying to undermine the ceasefire deal in Ukraine ahead of his meeting with two U.S. envoys.

Before his expected talks with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, Putin said:

"We do not plan to enter a war with Europe. But if Europe wants that and starts it, then we are currently ready."

He added that European powers are calling for a potential peaceful settlement in Ukraine something Moscow considers completely unacceptable.

On another front, Putin said Russia would take measures against tankers belonging to countries that assist Ukraine. He described recent attacks on tankers near Turkey as acts of piracy and revealed that Russia will intensify its strikes on Ukrainian facilities and vessels.

Earlier, Turkey’s Directorate General of Coastal Safety and the Tribeca Marine shipping agency reported that a Russian-flagged tanker carrying sunflower oil had reported an attack off the Turkish coast, though its 13 crew members were unharmed.

Ukraine denied any responsibility for the attack, saying it had no involvement in the incident.

ANHA