Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered a sharp warning for European nations on Tuesday — insisting that his country was ready for a direct conflict. The Kremlin chief also threatened to “cut Ukraine off from the sea” following a drone attack against its ‘shadow fleet’ tankers in the Black Sea.
The remarks came even as US envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner reached Moscow for a meeting with Putin on Tuesday. Meanwhile Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky continued his visits to supportive European nations.
“The most radical solution is to cut Ukraine off from the sea, then piracy will be impossible in principle,” Putin said in televised remarks. He also claimed that Moscow would intensify its strikes on Ukrainian facilities and vessels, and take measures against tankers of countries that help Kyiv.
‘Ready for war with Europe
He also accused Europe of amending peace proposals with “demands that are absolutely unacceptable to Russia,” thus “blocking the entire peace process” and blaming Moscow for it. “That’s their goal,” Putin said.
He reiterated his long-held position that Russia has no plans to attack Europe — a concern regularly voiced by some European countries.
“But if Europe suddenly wants to wage a war with us and starts it, we are ready right away. There can be no doubt about that,” Putin said.
Visit to India
Russian President Vladimir Putin has indicated plans to discuss various economic issues with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his upcoming visit tot India. He also insisted that it was a “goal” for Moscow to greatly elevate ties with China and India. The remarks came even as Putin lashed out at European powers for ‘derailing’ the Ukraine peace deal and prepared for a meeting with top US officials. India has found itself walking a diplomatic tightrope in recent months — facing vehement criticism from the US over continued purchase of oil from Moscow amidst the war.