Putin Warns Europe: Russia Ready for Military Response if Provoked
Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a stern warning to European nations, stating that Moscow is prepared to respond militarily if Europe chooses to initiate war. Speaking on Tuesday, Putin condemned the demands made by European governments as unacceptable and accused the European Union of lacking any genuine plan to end the war in Ukraine.
Putin emphasized that European countries have suspended diplomatic contact with Moscow and halted negotiations themselves. According to him, proposed changes by Europe to Ukraine peace plans are designed to derail the peace process. He added that while Russia does not seek conflict with European countries, it is ready to defend itself if hostilities are initiated.
The Russian leader accused European leaders of holding onto the “illusion” that Russia can suffer a strategic defeat, even as they withdraw from peace negotiations and obstruct efforts by the United States to end the conflict.
Putin also addressed recent developments on the battlefield in Ukraine, claiming that Russian forces now have full control over the town of Krasnoarmiisk in Donetsk, once a key Ukrainian stronghold. He warned that Russian strikes on Ukrainian facilities and vessels would intensify.
He further cautioned that attacks on oil tankers near Turkey constitute acts of piracy and threatened that Russia may respond in kind against vessels from countries involved in such actions. Putin warned that if such attacks persist, Russia could cut off Ukraine’s access to the Black Sea.
These remarks come as the war in Ukraine enters its third year, with European nations and the United States continuing their support for Kyiv. Meanwhile, the Taliban-led administration in Afghanistan has yet to take a clear stance on the ongoing conflict, but war crimes and threats to global peace should not go unnoticed by governments worldwide.
