Vladimir Putin announces Russia is ready for war if Europe initiates conflict, saying defeat would be so absolute that no one would be left to negotiate peace.

*Russia Warns Europe of Devastating Consequences Amid Ukraine Conflict*

Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a stark warning to European governments, stating that Russia is prepared for war if Europe initiates conflict. Speaking at the Moscow Investment Forum, Putin cautioned that defeat would be so absolute that there would be no one left to negotiate peace ¹.

*Accusations Against Europe*

Putin accused European governments of trying to derail efforts to end the Ukraine war, stating, "Europe is preventing the US administration from achieving peace." He emphasized that the Ukraine conflict is "not full-blown war" and that Moscow is acting in a "surgical" manner, but warned that this approach would not be repeated in a direct European confrontation ².

*Tensions Escalate*

The tensions between Russia and Europe come as US President Donald Trump shocked European capitals with an ultimatum to Kyiv, asking Ukraine to accept Washington's draft peace plan or risk losing American weapons and intelligence. Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and the conflict has been ongoing for almost four years ³.

*Putin's Stance on Ukraine*

Putin has made it clear that Russia's goal is to achieve its objectives in Ukraine, including the "liberation of Donbas." He has stated that the conflict will continue until Moscow achieves its goals, and that Russia is prepared to go to great lengths to protect its interests ⁴.

*European Union's Response*

The European Union has proposed using frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine, with a plan to raise $90 billion to cover Ukraine's military and basic services needs. However, some EU member states have expressed concerns about the proposal, and it remains to be seen whether the plan will move forward ⁵.

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*Consequences of Escalation*

The situation in Ukraine has significant implications for European security and global stability. If the conflict escalates, it could lead to devastating consequences, including loss of life, economic disruption, and a broader destabilization of the region. As Putin warned, "If Europe starts a war, we are ready right now." The international community is watching closely, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the conflict ⁶.

*Follow-up Questions:*

1. What are the key points of contention between Russia and Ukraine in the ongoing conflict?

2. How might the European Union's proposal to use frozen Russian assets impact the conflict in Ukraine?