Tensions between Europe and Russia are skyrocketing, with Putin accusing Brussels and warning: "If they want war, we're ready."

The war in Ukraine has now reached 1.300 days of fighting, and the international climate continues to tense. In recent hours, Vladimir Putin has released a series of statements intended to further exacerbate the conflict with Europe, accusing it of hindering US diplomatic efforts. On the other hand, Volodymyr Zelensky reiterates that the end of the war is "closer than ever," while acknowledging that there are still unresolved issues within the new peace plan under discussion.

Putin's warning: Prepare for a conflict with Europe

During an investment forum in Moscow, Putin stated that Russia would never seek a direct confrontation with Europe, but would be ready "immediately" should the EU become the architect of one. The Russian president repeatedly reiterated his intention to attack European countries, but added that any conflict, if triggered by Brussels, could quickly spiral out of control, making negotiations impossible. The message, though presented as a hypothetical response, immediately appeared to be a political warning aimed more at the external front than at diplomacy.

Putin then directed direct criticism at European countries, accusing them of obstructing the US administration's diplomatic line. According to his reconstruction, Europe not only withdrew from the negotiating process, but also interfered with the White House—and President Donald Trump in particular—attempts to forge a path to ending the conflict. He argued that all the European changes to the American proposals were intended to make any agreement unacceptable to Russia and place the blame for the stalemate on Moscow.

In one of his most controversial statements, Putin denied that what is happening in Ukraine can technically be defined as a war, downplaying the scope and severity of the offensives that have been devastating Ukrainian territory for almost four years.

The threat on the maritime front: the possibility of isolating Ukraine from the sea

In addition to diplomatic tensions, Putin also addressed the issue of Ukrainian attacks on Russian ships and port facilities. He stated that Moscow could expand the scope of its attacks against Ukrainian ports and vessels and, in extreme cases, consider completely cutting off Ukraine from access to the sea. This is a stark warning, which would strike a vital chord for Kiev, whose economy depends largely on maritime trade and exports via ports.

Witkoff and Kushner in Moscow: The Mission of Trump's Envoys

The Russian day was also marked by the arrival in Moscow of Steve Witkoff, US special envoy, and Jared Kushner, President Trump's son-in-law. Accompanied by Russian advisor Kirill Dmitriev, the two had a private meeting in the Kremlin. After their stop in Russia, the US delegation is expected to meet Zelensky in an as-yet unspecified European country.

Zelensky: "Peace has never been closer, but questions remain."

Meanwhile, the Ukrainian president continued his visit to Ireland, which he described as one of the most complex yet most optimistic moments of his presidency. He stated that the latest draft of the peace plan, consisting of 19-20 points developed with the United States in meetings in Geneva and Florida, represents the most concrete basis yet for a possible end to the conflict. Zelensky reiterated the urgency of using frozen Russian assets in Europe to finance reconstruction, arguing that Moscow must also be held accountable for its actions before an international court.

Further complicating the situation, however, was the European Central Bank's refusal to provide guarantees for the €140 billion mega-loan to Ukraine, which also involved the use of frozen Russian assets. The news, reported by the Financial Times, has put the European Commission in a difficult position and created new rifts among member states, some of which were already opposed to the extraordinary economic measures to support Kiev.

A peace still far away, between propaganda and diplomacy

The day's statements demonstrate how the path to peace remains uncertain and fraught with obstacles. Putin alternates tactical overtures with threats, reinforcing the perception of a Russia ready for conflict. Zelensky expresses confidence but urges caution, noting that many crucial points of the peace plan are still under discussion. The United States seeks mediation, while Europe appears fragmented. In this tangle of pressures, narratives, and political calculations, the conflict continues to rage on, far from the agreement everyone claims to want to reach.