Putin: Russia prepared for conflict with Europe, will attack tankers supporting Ukraine

MOSCOW Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday issued a stark warning to European nations, stating that any attempt to engage Russia in war would result in a rapid and decisive defeat. His remarks came ahead of a Kremlin meeting with two key U.S. envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.

Putin criticized Europes peace proposals regarding Ukraine, accusing European powers of attempting to derail U.S.-led efforts to end the ongoing conflict. He claimed that these initiatives were designed to obstruct negotiations and advance unacceptable demands to Russia.

If Europe chooses war, it will end so quickly that there will be no one left to negotiate, Putin declared. He also threatened to cut Ukraines access to the sea in retaliation for drone strikes on tankers belonging to Russias so-called shadow fleet in the Black Sea.

The U.S. has been actively seeking a resolution to the conflict, with President Trump engaging in talks with both Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. A leaked draft of U.S. peace proposals raised concern among Ukrainian and European officials by appearing to align closely with Moscows demands, including limits on Ukraines military and Russian control over parts of Ukrainian territory. In response, European powers submitted a counter-proposal aimed at maintaining Ukraines sovereignty and security.

Putin insisted that Europe has excluded itself from meaningful peace negotiations while attempting to interfere with U.S. efforts. He suggested that current discussions could form the basis for potential agreements but emphasized that refusal by Ukraine to accept terms could lead Russia to advance further into Ukrainian territory.

On the battlefield, Putin highlighted what Russian commanders claimed was the capture of Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine, although Ukrainian forces report continued fighting in the area. The conflict has resulted in extensive casualties, with U.S. officials estimating over 1.2 million killed or wounded, alongside widespread destruction and displacement in Ukrainian cities.

The maritime dimension of the conflict intensified, with Putin warning that nations aiding Ukraine by targeting Russian tankers could face direct strikes. Recent drone attacks near the Turkish coast damaged a Russian-flagged tanker carrying sunflower oil, though the crew was unharmed. Ukraine denied involvement, suggesting the incident may have been staged by Russia.

Turkey, which has maintained relations with both Kyiv and Moscow, condemned attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea and urged safety for maritime operations. Ankara has also hosted multiple rounds of peace talks and offered to mediate between the warring sides.

As tensions escalate, Putin reaffirmed Russias readiness to negotiate peace but coupled this stance with threats of further military and economic actions if Ukraine or European powers resist Moscows conditions.

Author: Sophia Brooks