Putin Taunts Europe: "If You Want War, Let’s Do It Now"

If Europe wants war, Moscow is “ready now,” Russian President Vladimir Putin said.

Putin reiterated the Kremlin’s position: negotiations should take place with the U.S. administration alone, excluding European leaders. (Photo: President of Russia)

Speaking at an investment forum in Moscow, Putin accused European governments of lacking a “peaceful agenda” and claimed Europe is “on the side of war” due to its support for Ukraine, Sasha Bakulina reported for Euronews.

“If Europe decides to go to war with Russia and actually starts a war, a situation could very quickly come where Moscow simply has no one to negotiate with,” Putin warned.

He said European governments “live under illusions” of imposing a strategic defeat on Russia and that European demands for ending the invasion of Ukraine are “not acceptable” to Moscow.

Putin reiterated the Kremlin’s position: negotiations should take place with the U.S. administration alone, excluding European leaders, whom he accused of “hindering” U.S. efforts — and President Donald Trump’s efforts — to reach a settlement.

Moscow has also refused to negotiate with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

German officials recently warned they expect Russia could be ready to attack NATO by 2029.