Putin Warns Russia Is Ready if Europe Initiates War Amid Ukraine Peace Talks

MOSCOW, Russia — December 2, 2025 — Russian President Vladimir Putin warned Tuesday that Russia is prepared to respond immediately if Europe were to start a war with Moscow. Speaking at an investment forum and ahead of a meeting with a U.S. delegation, Putin said there should be no doubt about Russia’s readiness in such a scenario.

Putin’s remarks came in response to reports that Hungary’s foreign minister had suggested Europe was preparing for conflict with Russia. Despite the warning, Putin reiterated that Moscow does not seek war with European nations.

The Russian leader also accused European powers of sabotaging efforts to end the nearly four-year conflict in Ukraine. He claimed that European leaders introduced demands that were “absolutely unacceptable to Russia,” effectively blocking the peace process. Putin suggested these demands were made cynically to place blame on Moscow for rejecting peace.

European leaders have consistently maintained that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine threatens broader regional security. The European Union, comprising 27 nations, has provided substantial financial and military support to Kyiv.

Putin’s comments follow previous warnings issued in 2025, including threats of a “significant response” if Europe continued supplying military aid to Ukraine. In February 2024, he also warned that Western military intervention could lead to nuclear escalation.

On Tuesday, Putin said European powers had excluded themselves from peace talks by severing contacts with Moscow, stating, “They are on the side of war.”

The Russian president made these statements shortly before meeting with a U.S. delegation led by envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, senior adviser to former President Donald Trump. The meeting took place at the Kremlin amid ongoing discussions about the Ukraine conflict and potential peace negotiations.

Putin’s latest remarks underscore the heightened tensions between Russia and Europe amid stalled peace efforts and continued conflict in Ukraine.