Moscow [Russia], December 3 (ANI): Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that Europe is risking a direct military conflict with Moscow, accusing European governments of rejecting diplomatic efforts on Ukraine and supporting continued hostilities. Speaking at an investment forum in Moscow, he said, “We are not planning to go to war with Europe, but if Europe wants to and starts, we are ready right now.”
Putin claimed that European leaders are no longer prioritising negotiations and are instead backing escalation in Ukraine. He argued that their demands for a settlement are unacceptable to Russia and accused them of blocking initiatives by the United States and President Donald Trump aimed at pursuing a negotiated peace.
His remarks came as US envoy Steve Witkoff and presidential adviser Jared Kushner met in Moscow to discuss potential steps to end nearly four years of fighting. Washington has shared a 28-point peace proposal, revised after criticism from Kyiv and European capitals that the original draft was overly favourable to Moscow. European governments have expressed concern that any peace structure must not pressure Ukraine into giving up territory currently held by Russia.
Putin also announced that Russia will intensify military actions, including expanded strikes on Ukrainian ports and vessels. He described recent attacks on Russian tankers as “piracy” and warned that the “most radical solution is to cut Ukraine off from the sea, then piracy will be impossible in principle.”
His warning followed a series of Ukrainian underwater drone strikes last week on two tankers belonging to Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” in the Black Sea. According to a Ukrainian security source, Sea Baby maritime drones used in a joint operation by Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) and its navy caused critical damage that knocked both vessels out of operation, significantly disrupting Russian oil transport.
Turkey’s Transport Ministry reported that the Gambian-flagged tanker Virat, already damaged in a prior strike, was hit again on Saturday. The crew did not request evacuation, though a firefighting tugboat was deployed. The tanker, sanctioned earlier by the US, UK, and EU under a previous name, was reportedly awaiting orders somewhere in the Black Sea.
Another Ukrainian drone strike on Friday severely damaged the Gambian-flagged Kairos, which transports Russian crude. All 25 crew members were evacuated. Neither vessel was within Turkish territorial waters during the attacks.
Meanwhile, Russia reported an additional incident Tuesday involving a Russian-flagged tanker carrying sunflower oil that was struck by a drone off Turkey’s coast. All 13 crew members were unharmed. Ukraine denied involvement in that attack.
Putin reiterated that Russia will consider retaliatory measures against ships from countries that, in Moscow’s view, support Ukrainian “piracy.” He said Russia will broaden its strikes on Ukrainian ports and ships entering them, escalating tensions in the conflict’s maritime front. (ANI)
458 words, 2 minutes read time.
About The Author
