Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that Russia is “ready right now” if Europe chooses to start a war, claiming that European nations have abandoned a peaceful agenda and aligned themselves “on the side of war.”
Speaking at an investment forum in Moscow on Tuesday, Putin said that if Europe decides to “go to war with Russia,” there could soon come a time when “Moscow simply has no one to negotiate with.” He added that European leaders live under “illusions” of achieving a strategic defeat against Russia.
Putin reiterated that Moscow will only negotiate with the United States, not with European governments, accusing them of obstructing Washington and President Donald Trump from pursuing peace talks. He again dismissed any dialogue with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The remarks come as German intelligence warns that Russia may be preparing the capacity to attack NATO by 2029, citing growing signs of military and hybrid activity. Berlin’s Foreign Ministry said Moscow is “creating the option” for war and urged allies to bolster deterrence measures.
European officials have reported a sharp rise in Russia-linked cyberattacks, sabotage, and drone incursions, with incidents recently forcing temporary airport closures in the Baltics, Germany, and Belgium.
EU Defence Commissioner Andrius Kubilius told Euronews that Europe must “change its understanding of modern warfare,” admitting that the bloc still lacks effective tools to detect and neutralize drones.
Putin’s warning marks the latest escalation in rhetoric amid mounting tensions between Moscow and NATO capitals, as Europe braces for potential hybrid and military threats in the coming years.
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